News Hit

In light of the Tim Burton Exhibition at ACMI. News Hit reviewer Jack Savige takes a look at all the films that have shaped his career.

Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (1985)
A very strong film debut. Burton’s a perfect match for Pee-Wee Herman’s crazy universe. This was Tim’s first time collaborating with composer Danny Elfman. Compared to his later films, this is a very light affair. The stop-motion looks rather low-budget, but so is the rest of the film, so it doesn’t really matter. Even though the first act does drag on for a little too long, there is a great feeling of glee throughout the film, that is very infectious.

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Beetlejuice (1988)
If Pee-Wee was a good first film, then Beetlejuice was the even better second film. Burton spent years trying to find the right script for his next film, and he definitely chose the right one. The effects may be really cheap, but that just adds to the charm of the film. Burton clearly loves the art of filmmaking. Winona Ryder is the stand out in this film, along with Keaton as Beetlejuice. The only flaw the film is the performances by Genna Davis and Alec Baldwin, who just aren’t interesting enough protagonists to sustain the whole film.

Distinction

Batman (1989)
Production issues plagued the making of this film, as Tim struggled with the studio. Very loud and epic. The script doesn’t really suit Burton’s sensibilities. It is nice to see Burton’s visuals behind a higher budget since his first two features were relatively low budget. The songs by Prince date the film terribly. Burton’s vision does shine trough in some moments, so it’s not a complete waste of time.

Pass

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

After the mammoth success of Batman, Tim could have gone anywhere with his career. Gladly, he decided to stay to with uniqueness, and made Edward Scissorhands. Still his most personal film, there is something truly magical when Johnny Depp first steps out of the shadows as Edward. A somewhat depressing, but always amusing look at conformity and life in the suburbs. This is the film that Tim Burton will be remembered for, and it’s a classic one. Dianne Wiest and Johnny Depp are both standouts.

High Distinction

Batman Returns (1992)
A sequel that improves on the original in every way. The ultimate Tim Burton film. The stand-out character being Catwoman, played by the amazingly talented Michelle Pfeiffer. While the original had quite un-likable characters, this has un-likeable characters that are also crazy entertaining to boot. The cinematography is beautiful, as we weave throughout Gotham City and its many characters. Danny DeVito as The Penguin is also wildly entertaining to watch. You are never sure where this film is going, and it surprises you at every turn. The wonderful screenplay was written by Daniel Waters, who also wrote the equally dark and comedic Heathers. Better than Nolan's The Dark Knight. Yes, I went there.

High Distinction

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Although Tim didn’t direct it, (that credit would go to Henry Selick), his style is felt throughout. He came up with story while working at Disney, before he was fired for making the short film, Frankenweenie, which is now ironically being remade by Disney, with Burton as director. Danny Elfman’s music is terrific, particularly 'What’s This?' and 'This Is Halloween'. Jack Skellinton is one of the greatest animated characters ever. The tone of the film is perfect.

Distinction

Ed Wood (1994)
This films proves that Tim doesn’t have to rely on a fantasy-type setting, where everything looks cool, to make a good film. A very authentic look at the golden age of Hollywood. Burton’s love for Ed Wood shines though. One of our first glimpses at just how versatile Depp is as an actor. One of the many highlights of the film is Martin Landau as Béla Lugosi.

High Distinction

Mars Attacks! (1996)
It may have flopped at the box office, but this is one of Tim’s most underrated films, along with Sweeney Todd. The characters are all so entertaining, that the cutting between multiple storylines never becomes tedious or frustrating. The cheesy special effects add to the film and Burton’s love for B-Grade sci-fi films shine’s throughout, as that’s exactly what he has made. It’s a lot of fun seeing so many famous people die. Danny Elfman’s score is fantastic.

Distinction

Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Burton’s love for the classic horror films is evident throughout this film. At times it seems too much like a tribute to Tim’s favourite films of that genre, and lacks that “Burtonseque” feel. It’s an interesting story, but the characters aren’t really that memorablbe compared to the other characters in Burton’s previous films.

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Planet of the Apes (2001)
The blockbuster Burton, from Batman, returns with this film. It feels completely different to all of his films, particularly in the production design aspects. Even Danny Elfman’s score sounds a little off. A good action film, but not a very good Burton film. The dialogue scenes are definitely the strongest, as Tim seems to be more comfortable with these type of scenes. At least we can be thankful for Burton and Helena Bonham Carter meeting on this film.

Pass

Big Fish (2003)
Thankfully Burton returned to form with Big Fish. Burton has stated that the making of this film was a form of therapy for his father’s death. You can’t help but think that Depp may have been a better choice as Edward Bloom. At times the tone feels a little off, especially during the sequences set in present time.

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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
Very similar in tone to Mars Attacks! Easily Burton’s funniest film. The enjoyment of this film really depends on whether you like Depp’s portrayal of Willy Wonka. As usual, it’s visually stunning, Most of the sets were physically built, and the level of detail is astonishing. Freddie Highmore as Charlie brings a lot of authenticity to the role, and keeps the film grounded in some kind of reality. The songs are all a delight, and the addition of Wonka’s father, played by Burton vet, Christopher Lee is great. Better than the original film, and just as good as the novel.

Distinction

Corpse Bride (2005)
Not as original as Nightmare, but still very strong. The songs aren’t as memorable this time around, but the story is still quite strong. The stop-motion is flawless. Victor Van Dort, played by Johnny Depp, is a very likeable protagonist.

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Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
Burton’s strongest film since Ed Wood. A musical that seems very stripped back and intimate, which does sound almost impossible. Sondheim’s music is a perfect match for Burton’s visuals. The cinematography is amazing, even if the only colours in the film are shades black, white or red. The acting, and singing, by the cast is magnificent. Depp and Bonham Carter have great chemistry, which is no doubt linked to their strong relationship with Burton. John Logan’s screenplay is very lean and well paced, especially considering the original musical lasted almost 3 hours. A masterpiece.

High Distinction

Alice in Wonderland (2010)
Much like Batman, this film lacked some of Burton’s charm. It may have been something to do with it being shot almost entirely on green screen. Burton has stated in interviews that he prefers working with physical sets, as it helps both himself and the actors. Much like in Sweeney Todd, Helena Bonham Carter stole the show as the Red Queen. She easily had the best scenes. Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter felt a bit off. The back story into the character dragged down the story, and he was never really “mad” enough. Despite its shortcomings, it is his most successful film to date, so we are guaranteed that Tim will be allowed to make many more films far into the future.

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Jack Savige