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Auteur analysis on Tim Burton
Tim burton movie analysis
Tim burton directing analysis
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Tim Burton’s Style
Social outcasts and misfits are often overlooked in society in daily life, however, there are some who rise to glory. Movie director Tim Burton is one of those outcasts. While many people like him are shunned for their strange, and in Burton’s case, disturbing views and ideas, Burton rose to distinction with his creative ideas and movies. In Edward Scissorhands and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, some of the main characters have made strides to success, without standard social skills. In Edward Scissorhands and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Tim Burton uses high key lighting and long shots to show that while some people are affected by their isolation, some can emerge from it and become influential members of their
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It is also used to show how people can affect a community so much that it can take on a brighter mood. For example, in Edward Scissorhands, we are show Edwards’s house, which is a dark, dilapidated castle, however, when Peg brings Ed to the neighborhood, the lighting is much brighter. As Edward becomes more accustomed to the community, he begins cutting the bushes into different shapes, and the neighborhood seems more unique and energetic than it was before. Furthermore, in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Wonka is an outcast because of his mysterious past, and his reclusiveness. There are quite a few shots of him in low key lighting, and even his flashbacks are dark. This contrasts with the bright and cheerful mood of the factory, and himself. This implies that while he might be an outcast, he still tries to make people happy by making candy, and creating wondrous rooms for the few visitors he has. He has impacted the surrounding village by bringing wealth and commerce through his chocolate business, and the town is most likely famous for the factory. These examples show how misfits like Edward and Wonka can affect their communities, while at first being pushed away, they became influential in their communities by using their talents to make their communities a better
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'.
Edward Scissorhands is a film written and directed by Tim Burton and Caroline Thompson. It tells the story of an outsider with scissors for hands trying to fit in to an unknown society that judges based on appearance. The film explains how in most societies if you do not act the norm as everyone else you will be rejected and frond upon. I believe that like in the film people nowadays people are less likely to express individuality and would rather conform to a group than feel like an outcast. Through the films elements that the director uses I will focus on the colors, costumes and sound of the film that show the differences of an outsider.
In Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Burton uses a character with a tragic beginning: Charlie. Charlie is introduced as a poor child who doesn’t have anything except the unconditional love and support from his parents. In multiple shots, Charlie is seen in low-key lighting, which make his already meager-looking clothing even more beggarly. All the while, he lives in a rickety and jerry-built house. These details make Charlie gleam with individuality. People
...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.
Who would have thought that a brilliant career in filmmaking could have originated with a modest jar of Skippy Peanut Butter smeared on a neighbor’s window in a tiny Cincinnati suburb? One might not think that such an average boyhood prank could evolve a boy into a man who would become the most financially successful film director in history. Well, that is exactly where Leah Spielberg, Steven Spielberg’s mother, would trace her son’s initial entry into becoming one of our nation’s most creative storytellers. “His badness was so original,” she recalls (Stein 3).
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.
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.
“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.” Tim Burton.
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.
For example, in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) Burton implements dim lighting during meaningful moments and bright lighting during more vibrant moments. This effectively conveys the tone set for the scene and maintains a clear balance in the scene. This helps the audience clearly understand the scene’s characteristics and its meaning to the film. Similarly, in Edward Scissorhands (1990) Burton utilizes lighting to set contrast between the characters. The superficial town is set in a bright, sunny setting, however, the lives the characters lead are quite the opposite of bright. These individuals spend their free time judging others and have no individuality whatsoever. Furthermore, Edward, one of the only characters who is kindhearted, is portrayed in dull, dark lighting. The lighting contrasts with his sweet personality to emphasize who is accepted and who is not. This contrast helps the audience understand the contradicting worlds of Edward and the frivolous town. In addition, in Big Eyes (2014) Burton implements lighting to show the slow transition of Margaret Keane’s life. The lighting depicts the dulling of her life as she faces troubles in her life. The use of lighting here helps the audience see the clear transition in Margaret Keane's life and clearly understand the conflict in her life. Similarly, Burton utilizes lighting in his films
Modern society funnels people into a mold of who they should be, but those who differ from this mold tend to be just as or even more successful as those who fit society’s mold. In Tim Burton films a variety of cinematic techniques are used to isolate a specific character; while everyone else will appear to be similar. The film Edward Scissorhands misfit was Edward and in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the outcast was Willy Wonka. Both characters did not fit in with the rest of their peers but, they we’re still unique people in their own rights. Burton uses these outcast characters to suggest that even if you are different you still have the potential for great achievement.
Tim Burton is a weird, unique, director, producer, and screenwriter. He was born in Burbank, California, on August 25, 1958. He worked as a Disney animator for less than a year before striking out on his own. He is known for putting fantasy and horror together in his films. Burton has a distinct style when it comes to film directing. His certain techniques, his setting, and how he makes his characters is a lot different than other film directors. Tim Burton chooses a system and style of cinematic techniques - like music, sound, and camera movement - to keep the audience entertained. It is very easy to compare his techniques and style in the movies Edward Scissorhands, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Alice in Wonderland.
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.
In his early childhood “Burton” spent most of his time as a recluse (a person who lives a solitary life and tends to avoid other people). Sketching cartoons, and watching movies. But it wasn’t late before his artistic talent was acknowledged. In his 9th grade a local garbage company saw his poster on anti-littering. “Burton” was awarded for it and the company placed the poster on their truck for a year. After graduating from high school Tim attended California Institute of arts where he finished his studies and got his first job as an animator for Disney.
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.