When auteurs craft their work, they provide themes to the audience. These may be about love, death, or the importance for family, among other things. They use these themes to provoke an emotional response within an audience, or send home a message to the viewer. Edward Scissorhands is certainly a prime example of showing how themes influence a film. The themes that Tim Burton addresses in Edward Scissorhands are those of the connections that we have with other people, and the relationships and the bonds that we form with them. Non-conformity is used in the film as a highly prioritised theme, as well as the importance of friendship and the portrayed innocence that Johnny Depp's character reveals to us. Through this film, the themes of relationships …show more content…
have been shown to heavily influence this great work, based upon Burton's real life experiences. Every single person in their lives has experienced a form of non-conformity, and it is a driving factor in everyday life. The desire in modern society for one to "fit in" is highly relevant and can also be one of the most deadly factors when the conformity in question is one of violence, destruction or vandalism. The subject of non-conformity is very relevant in Edward Scissorhands, judged by the very obvious problem of the main protagonist's sharp "fingers." This mental issue turned into physical being causes the movie to have its own stance on this issue. Tim Burton, as shown in his short film, "Vincent," had a life filled with gothic desires, and clearly didn't conform to society with his disturbing ideals. He implanted this theme in Edward Scissorhands to make the audience feel empathy for a person who just didn't quite fit in to society. At many points throughout his work, actors in the film point out, quite blatantly, how Edward is "completely different" to them. Indeed, many people throughout the film, including a very religious woman, go so far as to condemn Edward for his gift, a clear nod to the disgrace Burton suffered through as a young boy for his gothic taste. However, when Edward is on a talk show, many praise him for his special ability, with one woman standing up to say she "believes in his gift." This is, of course, Burton showing how he was praised for his film-making at the time of Edward Scissorhands. These details, added in by the auteur, just show how much Tim Burton related to the subject of non-conformity, and the relationships that this can cause. Friendship, even though to some considered cliché, can be a very effective tool for film-makers to use when crafting their films.
It is challenging to think of a film that doesn't involves friendships in some way, whether it be for romance or for the purposes of a brutal betrayal at the end of it. Edward Scissorhands, like so many other films, has a healthy serving of friendship just waiting to dish out to its viewers. Burton, like so many film makers, shows friendship to support the protagonist in his goals. The relationships of Pegg and the other Boggs prevails in a large quantity to show the audience that Burton could not be where he was today without the support of many of his closest friends, one of which is lead actor, Johnny Depp. Burton shows the audience a world of friendship with the introductions of the neighbourhood accepting Edward, and how they further praise him as he shapes their hedges, and cuts their hair as well as their dogs' fur. This special gift finds its way into society, where it is praised. This leads Edward to benefit from and surround himself by people who find him to be a good person, not a scary monster. Tim Burton references this countless times in his story, and this shows how much friendship means to him and why he decided to put this in his …show more content…
film. The saying goes that a person is innocent until proven guilty, and in many cases, a shaming is placed upon those who may actually be innocent.
Many people are framed for a sin that they simply didn't have anything to do with or they may be framed from an external source wishing to cause harm or dishonour upon them. Burton, throughout his life, can have been said to have been framed for certain acts due to his nature of a gothic and "evil" style from a young age, portrayed in his several films throughout the ages. It is not hard to see, therefore, why he would pick such a topic to discuss in Edward Scissorhands, as Johnny Depp's character is shown to have basic levels of etiquette in society, and has the tendency to do whatever he's told, by whomever is speaking to him. This allows for some interesting plot points as he is exploited by the villain of the story, whom is jealous at the relationship between him and Kim Boggs. Therefore, he is told to do things that are morally incomprehendible, but which Edward carries out with no regard, because he is simply not taught any manners or etiquette. This contributed in a very unique way, showing a part of Burton's life and showing to the audience the theme of
innocence. Edward Scissorhands is a film that very well stands the test of time. Burton, using experiences from his own dark childhood, where he was a very gothic-like child to reflect in the themes being portrayed, from those of not conforming to the normal standard, so that you can be recognised, the importance of a strong and loving friendship to have a happy and encouraging life, or how innocence is often exploited in society. Edward Scissorhands contains some interesting themes that Tim Burton added, and ones that the audience will surely enjoy.
Edwards gets caught and every friend of his from the neighborhood turns on him. Edward Scissorhands has an overall mood of self-discovery for most of the characters. In the film, Burton uses close-up shots in order to convey an unusual tone towards Peg’s curiosity. For example, when Peg goes to Edward’s house, she continues to walk into the house after seeing topiary in the garden. This achieves divergent tone because Peg being comfortable to walk into a dark home for a customer which contributes to the overall mood of self-discovery, because we discover what kind of person Peg is.
Tim Burton used a lot of symbolism throughout the story to show theme and as a result, we can know a lot more about Edward’s personality and about what he wants most. One thing that exhibits Ed’s childish side was the bushes; for example, the dinosaurs and the dolphins he created. The bush shaped hand that was in the dark mansion’s yard encapsulates Ed’s want for hands. Through these examples we can see the theme, sometimes your wants in life can shape what you do in your life because Ed’s wants showed through his actions.
‘Edward Scissorhands’ and ‘The Lost Thing’ are more the same than they are different. They are very much alike in the way they are set out and in the way they are plotted. I agree with this statement because as Edward Scissorhands, he was in the neighbourhood, he felt like he was an outcast, everything was so new and different compared to his castle. Even though Edward was considered like an outsider, he was still able to return to his rightful place. The same principle goes for ‘The Lost thing’, at first he was treated, in a way, simular to Edward. ‘The Lost Thing’ was returned to being with more ‘Lost things’ at the end of the movie.
People are constantly being judged and pressured to change to fit society’s standards. In Tim Burton films, there is always one character that does not fit the mold. These outcast characters in the movies Charlie and The Chocolate Factory and Edward Scissorhands are strange and isolated from the world. Despite the outcast’s difficulties, misfit characters like Edward and Wonka go on to be the hero of the story. Therefore, Burton uses many different cinematic techniques to illustrate that one does not need to conform to society in order to have a happy and successful life.
As Nathaniel Brandon once said “…first step towards change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.” In Edward Scissorhands directed by Tim Burton, the society are all very aware of Edward’s differences but they are reluctant to change their views and fully accept him.The film reveals how Edward is isolated because he is different and how society selfishly exploits the unique talents of Edward and then when their feelings change and they regard him as dangerous, they reject him. However the Bogg family provide a sense of belonging and acceptance for Edward. Edward Scissorhands makes important comments about society’s inhumane treatment of people who differ from the norm, ignoring that all people deserve to be treated equally and with respect.
Edward Scissorhands is an unfinished experiment that is afraid of the human race. Brought to the town by Peg, Edward is like a tool to the rest of the townspeople. They only accept him for what he can do and prejudice him as inhuman because of his hands. Edward is a caring person but, his wrong actions outweigh the good deeds that he has done in society. The color scheme of Edward compared to society is different, the townspeople all wear and decorate their houses with very vibrant and attention seeking colors (colorful houses, cars, clothing, hair, etc.). Edward, on the other hand, wears very dark and gloomy colors (full outfit is black, black hair, paler than the townspeople, etc.). As Edward becomes more used to society, he starts to wear human clothing like a white suit shirt and black pants but, never anything too bright like the townspeople. Edwards isolation and rejection from society makes it so that he is afraid of humans and how they will view him. When Edward went to jail, destroyed the plant sculptures, accidentally scratched up Kevin and, attacked Kevin, Society shunned him. They think he is a monster and forces him to become alone again. This change in character development proves that society never accepted Edward. The red the townspeople were wearing when Edward scratched up Kevin symbolizes how he is not human with his scissor hands, cursed to destroy
Using the production elements of symbolism; especially hands themselves, and the use of allusion to elements from other genres; particularly those from fairytale and gothic romance/horror films, Tim Burton has directed the film in such a manner to illustrate, emphasise and ridicule the materialism and lack of imagination of society. The film however, is prominently a satire which has certain elements from fairytale, comedy and horror genres. Through the choices made by the director, the audience is invited to become aware of the inhumanity present in the way society functions, especially in its prejudiced treatment towards people who do not conform. The use of allusion in Edward Scissorhands is one of the most important choices in production that has been made by director Tim Burton. In order to fully appreciate and understand the plot, the movie is dependant on the audience being able to recognise certain references and elements emulated from other films.
In her novel Frankenstein, Mary Shelley and the film Edward Scissorhands by Tim Burton their creations have a desire to be loved. Which leads them on a journey of acceptance for themselves and others. Everyone has felt the need to find why they are here on earth; we all search for answers we are no different from them.
Individuality is rejection, whether it be a rejection of society or a rejection by society. Burton explores the consequences that can derive from rejection and how appearances may differ from reality. The work of Tim Burton consists of a unique style unlike any other. Not only do his films convey his ideas of individuality to the audience, it is done in a distinctive Burton way. Burton’s style of the formal elements of German Expressionism, gothic horror, and unique characters allow him to convey his ideas. His views of individuality are evident through the work of his film 'Edward Scissorhands' and short film 'Vincent'.
Over the course of the novel, there were many instances of the male characters bonding together to accomplish a variety of tasks. In the beginning, Dracula attempts to befriend Jonathan Harker as a way to allay his fears. Further along, we find the relationship between Quincey, Arthur and Jack Seward to be friendly and close. Van Helsing and Jonathan add to that mix to create the ultimate male friendship; the group of men who go out to fight battles together and achieve a victory. Although there are many other themes in the novel, homosociality is the most prominent and well evidenced by the words and actions of the characters.
Multiple people claimed they “know a doctor that might be able to help” fix his situation (Edward Scissorhands). At one point, Edward said, “I’d like to meet him” (Edward Scissorhands), knowing if he received prosthetic surgery, he would be accepted as normal and not special. Edward accidently cut Kim and Kevin with his scissorhands, though his intentions were to help them. The incidence leaves the neighbors with an evil impression causing them to chase Edward, though he only wanted Kim’s love. The physical features of Edward and the creature led others to conclude that they were malicious and therefore deemed outcasts, though their intentions were only to find
...d traditions, but also blending two distant genres together. The blending of genres gives us ideas about common conventions in films that we do not usually pay attention to, and how they can be manipulated to change the way we think about individuals and groups. Edward Scissorhands dives deeper than just a “Beauty and the Beast” narrative, and influences audiences to explore topics of how the gentlest of souls can be misjudged by their appearance, a seemingly normal community can be the “bad guy” if it only has its personal intentions in mind and no one else’s, and that true love is not about what is on the outside, but rather, what is on the inside. Edward Scissorhands can be considered as one of the most appealing films of the 20th century as it keeps audiences guessing, surprises them at the most unexpected times and breaks conventional film boundaries.
Edward Scissorhands, written by Tim Burton, tells the tale of a young man who is lovable, childlike and sensitive, bewildered by the humanity around him, yet is terrifying- someone who has scissors, the deadly weaponry, for hands. Many viewers may read this film as a “Tim Burton” type of fairytale which includes both an alternative aspect and romance. However, through the presentation of mise-en-scene in this film, Burton drives in a much more serious subject of social criticism by establishing two different understandings of life in the movie.
The theme of a particular film is its subject or idea, however, films may contain several themes depending on the viewer. These may vary from religious themes, to political themes and may not be the intended target of a films writer or director. (Goodykoontz & Jacobs 2014)
Since the communist era, the concept of conformity has been tested on humans thinking it would bring a sort of comfort. These regimes rapidly crumbled due to their often authoritarian nature. Following these dictatorships, we often associate conformity with misery. Similarly, in Edward Scissorhands, through the characterization of Peg Boggs, the symbolism of Edward’s castle home and the change in Edward’s behaviour, director Tim Burton rejects conformity since it leads to fakeness, boredom, and corruption and, instead, promotes the benefits of authenticity and old habits.