Of Individuality In Home For Peculiar Children And Edward Scissorhands

Often times, people judge those who diverge from the typical ideals that societies have created in place for them. Although, director Tim Burton challenges societies’ norms through his work in the film industry and exemplifies his argument through outcast protagonists that alter the perception of normal. The differences, not only in the characters, but the setting as well, are seen as a “peculiar” set of characteristics that make them unique and special. Tim Burton expresses the idea that individuality is preferable to conformity through his use of contrasting settings and misfit protagonists in films such as, Miss Peregrine’s home for Peculiar Children and Edward Scissorhands.

Tim Burton tends to depict the differences and special “abilities”

of misfit protagonists as advantageous in creating a sense of individualism rather than a barrier in which one must overcome. For example, in Edward Scissorhands, a large pan from the monochrome neighborhood to Edward’s house is shown towards the beginning of the film. This, in addition with a low camera angle as Edward’s house hauntingly looks over the entire neighborhood from an enormous cliff, creates the sense of isolation between the small town and Edward. Afterwards, Edward can be seen peering down upon the neighborhood below as if he wants to be a part of it. Later on, Peg, a saleswoman for a makeup kit, meets Edward and learns about his abnormalities such as how he was built by an inventor and had scissors for hands. Not only do these cinematic techniques reveal the separation between the community and an isolated misfit

who has no knowledge about what modern society is, but they also develop a sense of individuality within Edward.

He must overcome his fear of being portrayed as an outcast due to his hands and inability to socialize with others around him since he has been secluded and lived on his own his entire life. Since he has scissors for hands and wears a predominantly dark wardrobe, Edward has attracted many inquisitive glances from the people in his neighborhood. Edward later finds a purpose for his anomaly and uses his hands to help the community by cutting hair and garden bushes. It is not until the end of the film where Edward truly embraces all of his abnormalities and stops trying to conform to the ideal society of the neighborhood he lives in. Other instances that help define the idea of individualism can be seen in Burton’s latest film, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. For instance, Burton incorporates a pan that follows Jake and Miss Peregrine as she introduces him to the children on their stroll around the house. The abilities of each peculiar are only shown once Jake is introduced to the child. Everyone in the “time loop” uses their peculiarities to help others around the house. Emma uses her peculiarity to save a baby squirrel, while Fiona grows vegetables for dinner. Miss Peregrine’s acceptance of peculiars allows for the development of eccentricity within the home. Their uniqueness, not only from the outside world, but from each other as well, creates a

perception of identity and belonging in the children. Rather than viewing their differences as a drawback, Edward and the peculiars recognize the influences they can have on society through a virtuous approach.

Moreover, Burton’s usage of contrasting settings in his films resembles the effects of how individuality within misfits change societies that favor conventionality. For instance, establishing shots in Miss Peregrine’s home for peculiar children as Jake enters the “time loop” for the first time are used to portray a mystical setting of the house that contrasts with the dark and lifeless

city of Wales.

A pan throughout the peculiars’ house illustrates an affectionate and lively atmosphere, whereas the use of low-key lighting in Wales creates a bleak and ominous environment. This use of differing settings resembles the conflict of the peculiars battling their way to find a place in a society that disapproves of them. Their unique abilities challenge the norms of the society in Wales, creating a dispute between individuality and conformity. The peculiars’ home is seen as a more loving environment due to their acceptance in individuality. On the contrary, Wales is depicted as a harsh and cruel place because of the society’s belief in conformity. Burton uses contrasting setting throughout Edward Scissorhands as well. Long, establishing shots of the neighborhood exaggerate the distinctiveness of Edward through the contrasting color choices of the houses. While all of the houses in the neighborhood are brightly colored with neon tints, Edward’s mansion is illustrated as dark and gloomy with its seclusion from the other houses. When Peg brings Edward home with her for the first time, a major transformation in setting develops between Edward’s outlying house and the rest of society. The peculiarity of his house compared to everyone else’s resembles his uniqueness as an individual. At first, Edward’s unique scissor blades for hands and dark clothes, like his house, differed from that of his town. As Edward grew more accustomed to society, his wardrobe and home began

to change with him. His mansion, for example, started flourishing with fresh and intricately cut plants and bushes. Through their unusual and distinct attributes, both Edward and the peculiars affect their surroundings in positive and loving ways. For Edward, it is creating garden sculptures with his hands, whereas Miss Peregrine and the children use their abilities to help save others. The misfits cherish their distinctiveness and view it as an opportunity to make society more diverse.

Burton’s method of developing outcast protagonists throughout contrasting settings in his films helps convey the notion that those who embrace their differences, rather than conform to a society’s ideal, gain a sense of individuality. Tim Burton once stated, “If you've ever had that feeling of loneliness, of being an outsider, it never quite leaves you. You can be happy or successful or whatever, but that thing still stays within you.” This message truly coincides with the thought that fitting in only makes one accepted, but standing out undoubtedly makes one extraordinary.