One of my favorite directors of all time is Tim Burton. His films are of the most easily recognizable for being made by him due to his unique style of obscure and gothic nature. Whether it is a child-friendly story like The Nightmare Before Christmas or a darker, gorey film like Sleepy Hollow, Burton’s unique style marries intricate, bizarre characters with detailed set and camera work making each of his films a piece of art. This consistent style has created an experience for the audience as the familiarity of the characters through similar characteristics and actors as well as the ominous yet fairytale-like stories make the audience connect more easily to each film and its characters.
While many of his films have similar characters and visuals, one of his most beautiful films is Edward Scissorhands. In this film, the repeating theme of a lonely outcast finding their place in the world is presented in brightly saturated and crowded then contrasted by dark, empty space. With the camera movement having a floaty graceful manner as it glides through the shots of this world and then quick cuts between the characters makes the audience feel a range of emotion as they are made to feel like conscientious observers as well as being present in the conversations and interaction between the characters Burton has a habit of making films about outcasts and making the audience connect to them. Focusing heavily on the visuals of great contrast, the audience is forced to respond with emotion. The dynamic of light and dark in this film highlights the great difference in the world of the orphaned Edward and the rest of society. Because of this, many scenes do not need dialogue to explain what is going on or how the audience is supposed to react. From wide shots and aerial views of each set so as to make the audience acquainted with the world created in his films to the close ups of characters with no dialog to focus on the raw emotion, his decisions made for his quirky films are all clearly purposeful.
I admit, I have had many people make valid arguments about Burton being on a lower level when it comes to super sophisticated films, but it is undeniable that his unique style is so significant and memorable, it is easy to see how much of an impact Burton has had in the art world.
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