Director: Tim Burton
Starring: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder and Dianne West
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many directors in Hollywood have earned the appreciation of Tim Burton. Following his rise to stardom in the 1980’s, Burton has become one of the greatest filmmakers in the film industry. Burton’s movies are often defined by a gothic style focusing on the lives of eccentric characters. Whether it’s stories of caped crusaders, men which have scissors as hands or demonic barbers, Burton’s films often focus on the lives of colourful characters. Burton’s greatest strength as a filmmaker is his abilities to create characters whom viewers can identify with even with their eccentricities. Despite their strange nature, Burton’s films have often attracted audiences to the theatre. A living legend, the director has made several unforgettable movies throughout his career which are definitely without a doubt worth watching.
I’m a huge fan of Tim Burton and adore all the movies he has made in his career. However, “Edward Scissorhands” may be my favourite. Released in 1990, Burton’s most beloved movie depicted the life of a boy born with hand disabilities. Packed with breathtaking performances, sharp storytelling and powerful performances, it’s one of the best movies which Tim Burton has ever made. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Johnny Depp, who embodies a boy which is born with hand disabilities. Ultimately, the film delivers a meaningful message that would resonate with everyone that has endured bullying at an early age. Unlike most movies Tim Burton has made which always tend to be targeted for a specific audience, it’s one of those rare films everyone would relate to. A mesmerizing masterpiece about disabilities, there are several strong reasons why “Edward Scissorhands” is a movie that’s definitely worth watching.
“Edward Scissorhands” tells the story of a boy that’s born with scissors as his hands. Johnny Depp plays Edward Scissorhands, a boy that’s born without hands as a result of a disastrous science experiment. Due towards his disability, Edward is always bullied, treated poorly and looked down upon by society. However, Edward’s life forever changes when he’s adopted by a caring mother (Dianne West) in a suburban American family. The family seeks to help out Edward who is misunderstood by people in the neighbourhood. As he begins to discover the harsh realities posed by the real world, Edward wonders whether he can possibly live happily. Facing a dilemma, he questions whether he can possibly survive a world causing stigma.
Tim Burton is fascinated with lives of eccentric outsiders. Burton’s commemorated films often focus on the lives of strange characters which are misunderstood. With “Edward Scissorhands”, however, Burton created his first ever disability drama. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture lives of boys born with hand disabilities but pulled it off expertly. Using gorgeous cinematography, Burton captures a boy with hand disabilities embarking on a journey to find his identity. Burton effectively uses lighting to capture the differences between Edward’s dark mansion home and the bright town where he’s introduced to humans. For instance, lighting elevates the town introduction scene. During this memorable scene, Edward is introduced towards the lifestyles of humans that live in a suburban American neighbourhood. Through lighting, Burton captures the dark lifestyles of a boy born with disabilities which are frightening. Using breathtaking visuals, Burton creates a complicated character with hand disabilities which are engaging.
Another admirable component of “Edward Scissorhands” worth discussing is the set-design. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well-made. Burton successfully uses larger-than-life costumes to capture the hardships faced by a boy with disabilities. Throughout the movie, Edward’s costume plays a pivotal role showcasing his disability. For instance, costumes elevate the bullying scene. During this strong scene, Edward is picked on by Kim’s boyfriend for his disabilities. One admires costumes that capture Edward’s disability causing him to be bullied. Through these memorable costumes, Burton creates a character that audiences can easily relate to. Furthermore, the musical score is extraordinary. Danny Elfman’s score is crucial towards the movie’s success. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the lives of individuals facing fear. Through strong production-design, Burton creates a character with hands that shine.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Edward Scissorhands” remains a classic which is compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses symbolism to capture the hardships of individuals with disabilities. Caroline Thompson’s greatest screenwriting strength is capturing the hardships faced by individuals with disabilities through symbolism. Throughout the movie, Edward’s hand serve as a powerful symbol of his disabilities. For instance, symbolism elevates the bedroom meeting scene. During this memorable scene, Edward is first introduced towards Kim when she finds him in her room. One admires symbolism that captures the hardships individuals with hand disabilities often go through. Through strong symbolism, Burton creates a character which audiences can easily relate to regardless of his disabilities. Symbolism is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Frank Darabont’s “The Shawshank Redemption” suggested, symbolism elevates classic prison movies. Nevertheless, it works tremendously in this movie. Through an awe-inspiring screenplay, Burton captures a man whose disabilities come with a painful price to pay.
One admires astonishing performances.
Johnny Depp delivers one of his finest career performances as Edward Scissorhands. Depp achieved appreciation for portraying romantic heroes in the 1980’s. With “Edward Scissorhands”, however he took on his most physically demanding role. It isn’t simple to embody the personality of a man born with hand disabilities but Depp pulls it off successfully. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, desperation and resentments of a boy born with hand disabilities. It’s a role that allows Depp to showcase his strengths as an actor playing eccentric characters with disabilities. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the greatest actors working in Hollywood today.
The supporting cast is sensational and also worthy of appreciation. Winona Ryder is remarkable, capturing the dilemma of a teenager unable to accept a man without hands that attracts social stigma. Alan Arkin is amazing, capturing the curiosity of a father fascinated by a man with a disability which becomes a precious part of his family. Last but not least, Anthony Michael Hall merits recognition. As a bully that often treats Edward poorly, he brings an air of menace to the movie.
Finally, “Edward Scissorhands” would earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing lives of disabled individuals with demands. The movie discusses universal themes such as identity, disability and family which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Tim Burton to appreciate it. It delivers a strong message about bullying which would definitely resonate with everyone. As someone that has been a victim of bullying, I identified deeply with the movie’s message. Therefore, “Edward Scissorhands” is one of those rare movies everyone would adore.
Fans of Tim Burton would definitely appreciate “Edward Scissorhands” and so will movie-goers seeking meaningful entertainment. A captivating classic, is celebrates the legacy of a legendary filmmaker in Hollywood whose movies are iconic.
Nearly 40 years after the release of a groundbreaking film about boys born with scissors as hands that put lives of families in grave danger, it’s a riveting reminder of a beloved filmmaker that hasn’t lost his abilities to captivate audiences by creating compelling movies that tackle dark subject matter capturing the lives of complicated characters leaving behind an indelible legacy whose timeless movies I will forever treasure.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 
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