EDWARD SCISSORHANDS AND AVANT-GARDE
In this film the expressionist aesthetics is very visible. One from the world of Edward (the castle) and another from the outside world. In this case the castle is the most representative aesthetically. Since this feature uses at certain times Gothic-expressionist aesthetics to recreate the scenery of the protagonist's life. This significant aesthetic from Burton combines a gothic atmosphere through the use of large spaces that play with light and expressionism architecture is meant to interact with the characters and complement them. In short, what stands out in this film in relation to Expressionism, are the castle of Edward, Edward himself and one of the thematic. Burton wanted to make a double play contrasting the aesthetics of the two realities that will keep repeating them throughout his film work. In this case, the two worlds are distinguished by the clearly proven aesthetics, with some pop decoration, and the other with a mixture of expressionism and Gothic. Although the film is a tale told by a grandmother to her granddaughter before bedtime, this film plays with the theme of different realities, in this case the reality of Edward, a boy with
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Caligari. In both prevails an impossible architecture by performing physical and technical aspects which is typical of expressionism, which, unable to materialize, gave life to film. In addition, the theme used in the film also has certain expressionist characteristics, because it has theme about death, fantasy worlds, the unknown and sinister, but at the same time a strange beauty inspired by the romantic literary tradition. As the expressionism, this film also serves somehow to make a social protest and expresses the feelings of the author. This movie expresses discontent with current society from the author viewpoint, a cold society and wealthy in their empty lives, and also to criticize his social
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, they are 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.
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.
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.
Not a single individual is able to watch a Burton film without noticing the lighting effects and how it significantly contributes to the tone and mood of the entire film. In the movie Edward Scissorhands, one might be overwhelmed with the burst of extravagant colors in the scenery. Indeed this cinematic technique, high key, wholly influences the viewers perception and impression of the town. One can conclude that even though flamboyancy pervades the town, iniquity lurks in all directions and hypocrisy governs the minds of its inhabitants. Irony is harnessed in this film. How can an effulgent town harbor wickedness and Edward with a chilling and gothic complexion radiate innocence and righteousness? Burton uses these opposing conceptions brought about by the contrast of lighting to convey the message that materialism has been ingrained in the mentality of society (at least in the neighborhood in which Burton lived in the past), thus yearning for th...
The Three Here’s for Cooking The romantic comedy, Today’s Special, expressed the worries of Indian parents becoming at ease. Also, expressed the struggles a parent faces in search of a better life, the passion and dedication going unnoticed in the work field, and the connection between friends, a lover, and family. However, the film centered its attention more on the development of Samir’s “cold” cooking within the Indian food, with the help of Akbar. In addition, the main actors in the film looked the part and associated with the main idea of the culture of an Indian family. For instance, Samir’s appearance showed he had drifted away from his family’s culture and developed a professional understanding and love for the cooking industry.
On August 25, 1958, Timothy Walter Burton was born (“Biography”). Burton had a painful childhood in which the relationship with his parents and brother was nonexistent (Morgenstern). Through his intense feeling of isolation, his visual talent began to develop. The comfort found in hobbies such as writing and drawing led him to attend the California Institute of the Arts which led him to his first job in any artistic field at the Disney Animation Studios (“Biography”). Burton has since been referred to as one of the most visually gifted writers, artists, and filmmakers that America has seen (Hanke). His short stories, poems, and film scripts are centered on an inner darkness which he has been slowly acquiring since his childhood. He throws himself into everything he writes and makes even the simplest characters have a deep, complex meaning. His famous darkness and symbolism is shown in his book The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy and Other Stories. The book contains a collection of his short stories, poems, and illustrations about a variety of fictional characters that can be compared to Burton and his life. Tim Burton’s home life and previous hardships have made a significant impact on his work. In my paper, I will draw parallels to his life and work as well as prove that there is reasoning and beauty in the way he is.
The term ‘Gothic’ conjures a range of possible meanings, definitions and associations. It explicitly denotes certain historical and cultural phenomena. Gothicism was part of the Romantic Movement that started in the eighteenth century and lasted about three decades into the nineteenth century. For this essay, the definition of Gothic that is applicable is: An 18th century literary style characterized by gloom and the supernatural. In the Gothic novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, a wide range of issues are explored. Frankenstein represents an entirely new vision of the female Gothic, along with many other traditional themes such as religion, science, colonialism and myth.
leads to work such as La Jetée. “To contemporary reviewers it was quite apparent that this film heralded a new era in filmmaking” -Short Cuts German Expressionist Cinema- The world of light and shadow (pg. 23) • With expressionist art cinema like The Cabinet of Dr Caligari came the birth of film theory and Avant grade practice as there was an endeavour to theorise cinema, as film became worthy of study, turning point in film history. Privileges formalist approaches to film art (indicate emphasis on film technique and visual style over narrative c.f previous realist approach
In his documentary Classified X, Martin Van Peebles describes three areas where African-Americans could be receive some sanctuary from the racism that pervaded almost all Hollywood films. These three places were: the Hollywood version of an all-Black film, the church, and entertainment. Black culture and music is prominent in mainstream society, but the people behind this culture don’t always receive recognition and respect for their creations. Mainstream White pop culture excitedly consumes and appropriates Black culture, but disrespects the source.
The movie Shock Doctrine revolves around the concept of the same name. The film begins by discussing psychological research on the effects of shock therapy. It is evident that a person under extreme stress and anxiety commonly experienced during a crisis functions and performs inadequately. It is noted that the studies are conducted by a man by the name of Milton Friedman, from the University of Chicago; the studies took place in the past, and some of the subjects are still recovering in the aftermath. From this research, interrogation techniques were learned and the concept of the shock doctrine was formed. Essentially through causing a crisis, the population of a country can be shocked into complying with accepting laws that favors the United States and capitalism. This theory coexists with Friedman’s belief in that government regulation is bad, and through a crisis a country would better itself with deregulation. The video uses Chile as an example and shows how America allowed a crisis to occur in Chile, through coups, interrogations and subterfuge. In the end a new government is formed that allows capitalism. Unfortunately afterwards violence and riots occur, as the rich gain most of the wealth and poverty rises. In addition to Chile, Argentina, Russia and even Iraq underwent the shock doctrine. Almost in every account, poverty rises and violence ends up erupting. The movie ends by showing how the US was in the process of the shock doctrine, and still is but the population has taken notice. Protests such as Occupy Wall Street are some of the initiatives necessary to bring awareness to the problems of class inequalities in order to prevent capitalism from benefitting the rich and increasing the wealth gap among the classes.
Caligari, the film questions the power of authority, and thus, agency and autonomy under this power. The film defines power in three places: public officials, Dr. Caligari and Frances. Public officials, like the policemen and city workers, prove their incompetency in aiding Frances through his perspective of the mystery’s unraveling. Their high status and authority manifests physically in their tall seating, pictured first when Dr. Caligari manages to murder his way into the Fair (Wiene 1:06:27- 1:05:04). He slaughters the commissioner, putting into question how well-deserved the public-officials’ pedestals are, just as Modern Times notes the president’s lack of competency.
However, they have also put him in an artistic cage according to his viewers. They hear his name and they immediately associate his work with only the Gothic, only the creepy and dark. They see his twisted figures, his gloomy color schemes, his emphasis on death and then label him as an artist only able of applying the Gothic. In a way they are correct; he does employ dark and creepy details, however, he is a multifaceted artist capable of much more than the macabre. As he stresses the Gothic characteristics, he likewise applies modernistic techniques and an array of vivid colors. All of which contrasts sharply with features of the Gothic genre. Burton’s iconic dark palettes and color schemes allow him to give color meaning. In the Nightmare before Christmas he does this by creating a juxtaposition between the kaleidoscope colors of Christmas land and the Grayscale Halloween land. Both holiday realms, containing a leader and their own niche, embrace their own color palette. These contrasting hues coincide with the beliefs and tone of the holiday. Bright reds and greens highlight the joy of gift giving and being around those you love. In contrast murky blacks, cold dark colors, and the occasional orange emphasize the rapturous glee of fear and
However, everything is unusual in Edward’s world. Tim Burton introduces another realism from Edward’s perspective. The impression of where Edward comes from is completely different from what is observed in the neighborh...
In the examination of Northanger Abbey and Frankenstein one comes to very different conclusions as to why their authors used gothic elements. The two authors had very different purposes for their stories. Powerful emotions are often an element of gothic literature as it was a genre that took Romanticism to excessive extents. While Austen used this gothic element to satirize the gothic novel, Shelley used it to display a deeper point about the evils of ambition. Both authors exhibited characters severe emotions to show the importance of rationality instead of extremes, but ultimately had a different purpose in presenting this view.
The whole documentary tackled consequences which also have consequences. This in turn somehow forms a chain reaction of consequences which are also interrelated. As a result of these, climate change is considered as an accelerant to instability and a catalyst for conflict.