The Numerology of a New
Alice in Wonderland

A look at how closely Tim Burton sticks to the story

based on the Numerology of Hans Decoz

Tim Burton's newest flick, Alice in Wonderland, isn't meant to be a remake: instead, it's Burton's way of looking at all the characters from a different perspective ... then throwing them together with a slightly tweaked plot that happens when Alice is 19, and the Red Queen has claimed ownership of Alice's old stomping-grounds.

The newest Alice is dark and star-studded. Sound like a stretch? Not to fear! Using each character's Personality Number (determined by their name), we can see how well each actor's "creative decisions" (as well as Burton's edits) reflect author Lewis Carroll's original vision of Wonderland.

Mad Hatter
In print, the Hatter is wild and illogical; his thoughts are hard to follow (but his craziness is highly quotable!). He is abrupt and unpredictable, and is one of the worst possible hosts you could encounter at a tea party -- in fact, his insane conversation inspires Alice to make a quick exit!

In playing the role of the Mad Hatter, Johnny Depp focuses in on a fact that the book glosses over: in Victorian times, hat-making was a dangerous trade due to the fact that an extremely toxic chemical -- mercury -- was used in huge amounts. Mercury is known to cause insanity and eventually death, and Depp used this to flesh out his character, with flaming red hair that hints at poisoning. For Depp, the Mad Hatter was once just the Hatter, and there was still a likable and very human side to this misunderstood character ... enabling him to have a deeper connection with Alice, who eventually becomes his ally as they band together to fight the evil Red Queen.

So was Depp right to bring out the more relatable side of the Hatter? Or was the Mad Hatter always meant to be, well, simply mad? Since his Personality Number is 2, it looks like Depp made the right call. As a 2, the Hatter is friendly and warm at his core, and has the ability to open himself up as a friend and guide. Most numerologists would agree that 2s are at their most authentic when they get a bit eccentric in what they wear, and it seems the Hatter's taken that advice to heart!

And Burton was right to cast always-in-style Depp as the Mad Hatter, because under all the bold make-up, another truly 2 quality shines through: strong sexual magnetism.

Cheshire Cat
This tricky feline led Alice on a merry dance of self-discovery throughout Wonderland by giving her confusing clues and teasing her before disappearing into his half-moon grin. Still, he always managed to pop up when she needed him.

The Numerology of a New 'Alice in Wonderland' | Tarot.com -- Continued »