Title: Edward Scissorhands (1990)
The story of Frankenstein is probably one of the more known horror tales of this century, and the famous Boris Karloff image has certainly profligated. Director Tim Burton's "Edward Scissorhands" takes some of the basic elements of this story and provides a whole new spin on it.
The film, written by Burton as well, is about its title character, Edward (Johnny Depp) and his hands made of scissors, who is a creation of an old scientist living in a home in a secluded corner of civilization. One day, Edward, who lived alone after the scientist died, is discovered in that castle by a door-to-door makeup salesperson (Dianne Wiest)and is taken home by her. At first he is accepted and welcomed by the rest of the neighborhod, especially because of his hedge sculptures and women's haircuts. However, things go awry when he is persuaded to break into someone's home, and the whole town turns against him, with the exception of his new family, especially thier daughter, Kim (Winona Rider), who has developed feelings for him.
The most noteable element of this film is the presentation itself- it comes off as a very simple, storybook-like tale. First of all, it actually is a tale being told by an old woman to her grandchild. The art direction, which is amazing, effectively uses colors without great detail on neighborhood houses, while using dark, cold features for Edward's palce of origin, both of which harken back to, once again, a storybook-like feel. This is a gorgoous looking film, as are most of Tim Burton's works.
But beyond that lies the heart of the story- the ideas of the meaning of humanity through the quickly changing perspective on Edward of the townfolk, and Kim's realization of her feelings for him. The townspeople are in love with him first- but only as a novelty of sorts. After he 's caught breaking into a house, he is seen as nothing but a terrible monster. Either way, none of the neighbors ever really saw him for the person he was beyond a superficial level, except for Kim. The power of the story is the combination of the two elements- the expression of the heart through the feel of the story- enahnces the power and emotion of the film. The story this film told moved me, and did so in an original way.
Aiding this, of course, are the performances of some of the actors. Johnny Depp creates a very moving character in Edward, showing us his shy, innocent, childlike ways effectively. Winona Ryder is also commendable, showing first fear, then frustration, then respect, then loveand making the transitions without much of a hitch. Dianne Wiest was charming, in the doting, motherly role. Only real weak link might be Anthony Micheal Hall, but I think his "Breakfast Club" identity might have gotten in the way.
These three main elements- the visual style of the film, the story itself, and the performances, all combine under the master plan of director Tim Burton to create an effective, moving film- truly a Frankenstein with a twist. On a scale of 10, I give this film an 8.
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