Timothée Chalamet, Pure Imagination | COVERS

In the 44th edition of COVERS (2024), Timothée Chalamet delivers a compelling rendition of “Pure Imagination” originally performed by Gene Wilder.

Ah, it’s time to get cozy and cover up! In COVERS, we highlight a musician or band covering songs by another musician (likely a popular musician). COVERS focuses solely on the musician who covers.  It is open to established musicians and musicians who may not be as well-known. In the 44^th edition of COVERS (2024), Timothée Chalamet delivers a compelling rendition of “Pure Imagination” originally performed by Gene Wilder.

“Come with me, and you’ll be / In a world of pure imagination / Reach out, touch what was once / Just in your imagination.” Timothée Chalamet had big shoes to fill. The late, great Gene Wilder was amazing as Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, one of my favorite childhood movies (it was released long before I was born, however).  One of Wilder’s signature moments is when he sings “Pure Imagination” – one of the biggest songs from the soundtrack.  For his 2023 film, Wonka, the handsome and talented Academy Award-nominated actor portrays Willy Wonka and sings the beloved song. “Pure Imagination” is the 18^th track on the original motion picture soundtrack for Wonka. It was composed by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse. The Chalamet cover was produced by Joby Talbot and Neil Hannon.

“Sometimes these things don’t need / Explanation.” Facts Timothée, facts. Chalamet sings beautifully. He never over- nor under-sings.  His performance is just right.  He captures the tenor of the original with his playful performance and respectable tone.  One of his best moments is when he loosens up and chuckles as he sings the beloved, unforgettable lyrics (“We’ll begin with a spin…”).  Naturally, the chorus is a big deal:

“If you want to view paradise

Simply look around and view it

Anything you want to, do it

Wanna change the world?

There’s nothing to it.”

The arrangement isn’t a carbon copy of the Gene Wilder original. It differentiates itself.  The sound is initially spare but warm, with the focal point on Chalamet.  As the record progresses, the strings grow lush, the piano more rhythmic, and the arrangement grows fuller. One of the surprises is the acceleration of the tempo, propelled by drums and an inescapable piano ostinato. In the hands of Timothée Chalamet, “Pure Imagination” preserves the sanctity of the original. It also distinguishes itself.

Various Artists // Wonka // Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. // 2023

Timothée Chalamet, Pure Imagination: Covers No. 44 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.; Alan Cordero, Ba Tik, Kampus Production, Matteo Milan, SHVETS production from Pexels; OpenClipart-Vectors, StockSnap, Vicki Hamilton from Pixabay]