| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Edward Scissorhands
Review of Tim Burton's film
|
| |
| |
| Once upon a time, an inventor
lived in an old castle isolated on top of a hill. He created many ingenious devices and one day, he decided
to create a man whom he call Edward. The good-natured scientist took care of him like if he
was his own son, but he was old and died before he could complete him.
Left all alone with scissors instead of human hands, Edward remains in the castle until he is
befriended by Peg, a woman from the neighbouring town who feels pity for his loneliness and decides to bring him to
her home. His difference quickly becomes an obstacle which prevent him from being fully accepted as a member of
society. Soon, the unsuspecting Edward, becomes the focus of much gossip and awakes either curiosity, hilarity,
anger or fear amongst the whole neighbourhood. Also, his innocence and good nature make him an easy victim for
the unscrupulous. His artistic talent are exploited by all. And as he falls in love with Peg's daughter, she
abuses his kindness and tricks him into helping her and her boyfriend burglar a house. His initial naivety
leaves place to feelings of frustration, reject and revolt at people's ways. Edward also comes to realise, that
he can be dangerous to others, that he is unable to even touch others without inadvertently harming them because
of the sharpness of the blades he has instead of hands. Soon false rumours start spreading. People begin to
fear him and wish him away. |
| |
| |
| This is a wonderful tale about love and kindness,
but also about rejection and estrangement. It shows the limits of people's tolerance for what is different from them and how
strangers, those who stray from the norm, commonly named 'misfits', awake mockery or fear from a society which
will use them and ultimately reject them, thus breaking their innocence and goodness. Though a harsh
satire of people's vices, such as deceit, gossip, jealousy, hypocrisy,
as well as a tragic witness to the pain and frustration linked to being unable to be accepted as one is by others,
the tone is still infused with an ever constant sweetness, gentleness and innocence. |
| |
| |
| The acting is impeccable. Depp's
performance as Edward is truly touching and Keaton and Price's characters are full of gentleness. Their
good-nature shows humanity at its best while some other characters efficiently show its least pleasant aspects.
The photography is quite beautiful and is thematically based on a strong contrast between Edward's universe, the
dark noiseless castle, strongly influenced by the gothic visual style, with the town, filled with bright colours
and voices. The apparently gloomy castle is in fact a shelter from the seemingly happy outside world, which
is in fact, much darker and sinister underneath its bright colours. The music is simply great, Danny Elfman
being one of the most talented contemporary composer. His style is at times moving, soft, wild, silly, weird and
crazy. He has worked on many musical soundtracks since, but this one is probably the most beautiful he ever created. |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
