Tim Burton's name is synonymous with making the dark, twisted, and macabre seem friendly and exciting. Throughout his career, Burton has experienced many ups and downs, but many fans, including myself, agree that he peaked during the late 1980s and early 1990s. During that time, he created beloved classics such as "Beetlejuice" and "Batman." However, the film that resonates most personally with me is Tim Burton’s magnum opus, "Edward Scissorhands." This movie is my favorite because it speaks to outsiders and captures the feelings of not fitting into the expectations of reality. It embodies everything that makes a Tim Burton film special, and there are many reasons why this masterpiece resonates with me and many others.
On the top of an old abandoned hill where an old house is present, an Avon saleswoman named Peg (Dianne Wiest) discovers a strange man who was built by an old inventor who forgot to give his creation hands so the man is left with just scissors for hands. Peg takes the man who is named Edward (Johnny Depp) back to her home which creates buzz among the town and gets more and more attention after seeing the incredible things Edward can do with his hands. Edward meets Peg's family including his husband Bill (Alan Arkin), her son Kevin (Robert Oliveri), and her daughter Kim (Winona Ryder) who Edward falls in love with. However, things start to go wrong as Edward has trouble fitting into his new reality and it leads to Edward feeling pressure to live in a society where things work differentially than they do back home.
The Story is set up and told like a gothic fairytale. The film is more interested in presenting a fantastical narrative rather than a realistic one. It focuses on a character who embodies elements of fantasy and places him in a strange reality that resembles our own, though there are aspects of this reality that don’t sit well with our main protagonist. The emotions of our lead truly drive this movie, as everything we experience is filtered through Edward's perspective. True to the style of Tim Burton, the overall narrative is both strange and beautiful, enriched by themes that encourage reflection on our everyday lives. Both Tim Burton and screenwriter Caroline Thompson tackle themes that, in some ways, were ahead of their time. The film explores concepts such as self-discovery and isolation, while also addressing how disabled individuals are often viewed as opportunities for exploitation rather than as emotional, thinking people deserving of love. As someone who is autistic, I deeply resonated with these messages, particularly the cautionary tales about the exploitation of individuals with disabilities and the challenges of expressing emotions under stress. This film represents Tim Burton at his best and most personal in terms of storytelling. While he has produced many incredible films, this one stands out as his greatest offering.
The Characters in the film are all fantastic, with Edward himself stealing the spotlight due to his unique charm and innocence. Although I'm not a huge fan of Johnny Depp as an actor, I must say that his performance as Edward is probably the best role he's ever played. He portrays the character so charmingly that there are times I almost forget Depp is the one playing him, which is truly an amazing accomplishment. Edward’s innocence and childlike nature are complemented by his intense emotions and artistic flair, particularly when he creates art using his Scissorhands. The other characters primarily serve to interact with Edward, and it’s a bonus that they each have strong personalities of their own. Diane Wiest plays an Avon salesperson who first meets Edward in the abandoned mansion on the hill. She acts as a mother figure to him, guiding him as he navigates the new world he has recently discovered, akin to teaching a child. A young Winona Ryder portrays Kim, who initially feels terrified of Edward but grows to care for him as the film unfolds. Other notable characters include Joyce, played by Kathy Baker, and Kevin, portrayed by Robert Oliveri. I particularly enjoy that there is no clear antagonist in this story; even those who are somewhat mean to Edward aren't necessarily evil. Instead, they are more like individuals who continually bother him, doing strange things that make him uncomfortable, especially since he has been isolated from society for so long. These characters enhance both the emotional and bizarre moments in the film, creating an unforgettable experience.
The Cinematography in "Edward Scissorhands" is truly dazzling. The film captures Tim Burton's unique and creepy vision, showcasing both the oddly colored neighborhood and the eerie unknowns of Edward's home. The set designs, created by Bo Welch—who also worked on "Beetlejuice," another film directed by Burton—contribute significantly to the film's atmosphere. The abandoned mansion on the hill exudes a gothic charm yet remains strangely inviting, particularly with the intricate hedge sculptures Edward has crafted during his years of isolation. In contrast, the suburban neighborhood features houses painted in pastel colors, both inside and out, creating a blend of familiarity and uncertainty that entices both the viewer and Edward. One of the most impressive and iconic aspects of the film is how Edward uses his Scissorhands in various scenarios—helping in the kitchen, cutting hair, and even crafting sculptures from hedges and ice. Edward's character design, a product of Burton's imagination, might make him appear threatening, but his naive quirks reveal a different side. While some Tim Burton films may have more visual flair than "Edward Scissorhands," it still remains a visual feast that will resonate with audiences for decades to come.
The Music in the film is both enchanting and, at times, somewhat melancholic, but in a positive way. Danny Elfman’s score beautifully complements the story, delivering a sense of magic and mystery. One of the standout features of the music is the subtle yet lovely chorus that accompanies the instrumentation, creating a score that is distinctly Elfman’s and unlike any other. In addition to the musical compositions, the film features songs that perfectly reflect the time period in which "Edward Scissorhands" is set. Tracks like "It's Not Unusual" and "With These Hands," both sung by Tom Jones, contribute to a timeless appeal, avoiding the use of modern songs that could easily date the film. Elfman recognized that this project was very personal to Burton, and he fully committed to realizing Burton's vision with his exceptional musical score.
This movie holds deep significance for me, just as it does for Tim Burton. *Edward Scissorhands* exceeds all expectations by delivering a story that is both enjoyable and melancholic, creating an experience unlike any other director can provide. It explores themes of disability and isolation while also engaging with these concepts in a playful way. The story, characters, unique visuals, and beautiful musical score all contribute to bringing Burton's imaginative ideas and personal emotions to life. In my opinion, this is Burton's most personal film and the best in his entire catalog. I could continue to discuss why I believe this is Burton's finest work, but ultimately, it offers a great and emotional experience whether you’ve watched it many times like I have or are seeing it for the very first time.
(Final Grade: A+)