Matilda (1996)

Director:

Danny DeVito

Writers (WGA):

Roald Dahl (book)
Nicholas Kazan (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

2 August 1996 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Family | Fantasy

Tagline:

A little magic goes a long way.

Plot:

Story of a wonderful little girl, who happens to be a genius, and her wonderful teacher vs. the worst parents ever and the worst school principal imaginable.

Plot Keywords:

Little Girl | Reading | Female Athlete | Child Abuse | Father Daughter Relationship

Awards:

3 wins & 4 nominations

Cast

Mara Wilson	...	Matilda Wormwood
Danny DeVito	...	Harry Wormwood / Narrator
Rhea Perlman	...	Zinnia Wormwood
Embeth Davidtz	...	Miss Jennifer 'Jenny' Honey
Pam Ferris	...	Agatha Trunchbull
Paul Reubens	...	FBI Agent Bob
Tracey Walter	...	FBI Agent Bill
Brian Levinson	...	Michael 'Mikey' Wormwood
Jean Speegle Howard	...	Miss Phelps
Sara Magdalin	...	Matilda at 4 Years
R.D. Robb	...	Roy
Gregory R. Goliath	...	Luther (as Goliath Gregory)
Fred Parnes	...	Waiter
Kiami Davael	...	Lavender
Leor Livneh Hackel	...	Julius Rottwinkle

Also Known As:

Roald Dahl's Matilda

MPAA:

Rated PG for elements of exaggerated meanness and ridicule, and for some mild language.

Runtime:

98 min | USA:102 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby | SDDS (8 channels)

Certification:

Iceland:L | South Korea:All | Argentina:Atp | Australia:PG | Belgium:KT | Chile:TE | Finland:K-8 | Norway:11 | Peru:PT | Portugal:M/6 | Spain:7 | Sweden:11 | UK:PG | USA:PG | Singapore:PG | Germany:6 | Italy:T | Netherlands:MG6 | Brazil:Livre

Filming Locations:

Arcadia, California, USA

Company:

TriStar Pictures

Trivia:

The car Harry sells to the Trunchbull is a 1970 Buick Electra 225 sedan.

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: When Miss Trunchbull throws the newt onto a ceiling light, the close-up of it clearly shows it to be made of rubber. But when it falls into a pupil's hands, it's a real newt again.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Narrator: Everyone is born, but not everyone is born the same. Some will grow to be butchers, or bakers, or candlestick makers. Some will only be really good at making Jell-O salad. One way or another, though, every human being is unique, for better or for worse.
[Harry takes his first look at Matilda, grunts, and leaves]
Narrator: Most parents believe their children are the most beautiful creatures ever to grace the planet. Others take a less emotional approach:
Harry Wormwood: What a waste of time!
Zinnia Wormwood: And painful!
Harry Wormwood: And expensive... $9.25 for a bar of soap?
[...]

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Midsomer Murders: Blood Will Out (#2.4)" (1999)

Soundtrack:

Little Bitty Pretty One

A Quirky and Wonderful Slice of Magic & Youth

Hi hi!

Danny DeVito touches on the viewpoint of children - and their imaginations - in this fantasy come to life: MATILDA.

Who of us as children didn't see the world in the powerful images of youthful, innocent eyes? The horrific Agatha Trunchbull, the kindly librarian, Mrs. Phelps? The annoying big brother 'Mikey', or the wondrous, perfect teacher, Miss Honey? Who of us as children didn't see that some things in life were wrong and wanted to put them right - if only we had magic powers!

Life as a child is fantastic and happy and exciting and scary. And in MATILDA we see all elements of childhood shine through by the intentionally ridiculous, over-the-top performances of Danny DeVito (Matilda's Dad), Rhea Perlman (Mom), and Pam Ferris (Ms. Trunchbull, the principal).

And yes, there is a scary element to the movie: The chase in Ms. Trunchbull's house; the "Chokey"; the spooky scene of Matilda taking back "Lizzie Doll" from Ms. Trunchbull while "haunting" her house. But this is the scariness of youth; shown from a safe distance for even the young audience. And despite the scariness - which kids KNOW exists - Matilda and Miss Honey and all their friends are victorious. Danny DeVito has demonstrated a lesson well-learned from the Disney animated films of yesteryear: The more evil the villain, the more noble and victorious the heroine.

To miss seeing MATILDA is to miss a heart-warming, hand-clapping, magical trip back to your childhood fantasies and ideals.