Influencers: Tim Burton
Well this isn't a surprise at all. You only need to see this website's aesthetic to see Tim Burton's influence. Unlike last months influencer David Bowie, Burton has influenced me for what seems like forever, he has always been part of my creative 'life'.
I'm a little ashamed to admit what my first Burton film is. Most people would say The Nightmare Before Christmas , Edward Scissorhands or Beetlejuice. Not me. My first experience of Tim Burton's work was his 2005 remake of Charlie and the Chocolate factory. Now before you jump down my throat screaming that it's not as good as the original. While I beg to differ as I had seen the original before this. I was only seven years old, and seeing this take on one of my favourite books from my childhood was eye opening. I know that this film has it's issues, and it is not even in my top ten of Burton's films. It is an honourable mention because of my history with it. Nowadays it is something of a guilty pleasure, it is still a good film.
My relationship with Burton's films is very much a love affair (or obsession?) His take on the macabre and the twisted is something I fine super romantic. The way his films comment on the social norms and how he portrays the outsider. In each of his films, the central theme is someone who doesn't fit in. Jack Skellington, Alice, Edward Scissorhands, Sweeny Todd and Pee Wee all have the something in common, they don't fit in. I've always related to that and the way Burton shows it is something I aim to replicate in my own films.
It is no secret that Burton's colour palate is muted and dark. It is also no secret that so is mine. I hate colour! Well, I don't, I just think that life isn't bright and colourful so why should I show a lot of colour in my films? Burton understands this, his choice of colour are a good indication on how he views the world. As twisted as a Burton film could first appear, they are influenced by reality way more than one first realises.
One of the 'issues' people seem to have with Tim Burton is his love for using Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter in his films. While I understand the criticism, I don't agree with it. I love it because these films just make them feel more like they have been made by passionate people, not just a pumped out corporate money maker. I get an almost 'indie film' vibe from them. How is that a bad thing?
One of my all time favourite films is The Nightmare Before Christmas, I have written quite a few essays about it in fact. Not only are the songs and the music amazing but its a timeless classic. It is soon to be 30 years old and it still looks stunning! It's character building is second to none in its 90 minute runtime. It's visual style is so quintessentially Burton it's beautiful. Looking back at the last 10 years of stop-motion films, all seem to have a similar style don't they? (Side note: I am aware that this film wasn't directed by Burton, however, it's his story and vision. Henry Sellick simply brought it to life.)
Just like last month, I will end with some words of wisdom from the visionary himself which are pretty damn relatable for me.
"Movies are like an expensive form of therapy for me" - Tim Burton
Keep telling stories,
