Tim Burton's Particular Way of Making Films

“I recall being one of those kids where every day was a science fair… It's like well, 'here, let's mix this up and see if it blows up'.” Tim Burton was always quirky as a child, but he was okay with his differences and embraced them through his art. Influenced by the “B” horror films from his childhood, Tim Burton brought the iconic dark mood into his movies, giving a modern twist to the idea of monsters and obscurity. The characters portrayed in his films had the obscure qualities that he saw in himself. In the films Edward Scissorhands and The Nightmare before Christmas, Tim Burton utilized the cinematic element of symbolism to convey the reoccurring theme of individuality.

Tim Burton’s movie Edward Scissorhands explores the idea of an outcast by applying symbolism in a variety of ways. The journey that Edward faced while trying to become part of society falls under the typical “hero story archetype,” but Burton’s unique symbols make the story unprecedented. One symbol that illustrated the theme of individuality was the costuming. When Edward first was found he was wearing leather from head to toe, but Peg gave him a dress shirt and pants to wear so he would fit in with the rest of the neighborhood. Even though he put the clothes on without hesitation, he never took off his leather attire, which implies that although he could be changed on the outside, on the inside he refused to conform. Furthermore, as the movie progressed, Edward’s social acceptance declined rapidly. In turn, Burton made Edward’s costume slowly tear up, until the “mob” scene where he ripped off the dress shirt completely, which showed how he will never become what everyone else wanted him to be. Another symbol Burton included in Edward Scissorhands that sup...

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...e his ideas a fresh breathe of air, but they have a deeper meaning and are a breeding ground for thought and consideration. His reoccurring theme of individuality, which is supported by symbolism in his works, makes for relatable characters and situations. The ability to make a man with scissors for hands or a skeleton into a character that is relevant to one’s current life is special; not many people could pull it off. Burton gracefully blended his influences of Edgar Allan Poe-like characters and Dr. Seuss inspired scenery to create cinematic works that affected people of all ages. He may have been an outcast as a child, but what once was a flaw now makes him stand out from other directors. Edward Scissorhands and The Nightmare before Christmas are only a portion of the films in which he wove a deep threaded theme promoting individuality and being true to oneself.