Edward Scissorhands Film Review

 

 

The Oscars! A diamond occasion of glitz, glamour and sheer excitement. Whilst some films (particularly Stephanie Meyer’s abysmal Twilight) should be turned away at the door, Tim Burton’s inspirational Edward Scissorhands should be handed a gleaming VIP pass to one of those marvellous golden statuettes. As a Frankenstein-esque feature film, it contains plenty of Burton’s finest tricks and favoured actors (namely the ubiquitous Johnny Depp) and is a delight for every audience, young and old.

                The attention-grabbing setting is comprised of a comically stereotypical American town, packed with bright humour and gossiping housewives - it doesn’t exactly sound like Burton’s usual style; that is, until you spot the colossal gothic castle looming overhead. Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder of course make a dynamic duo, two differing lives, torn between love and normality, especially with the cheerful Dianne Wiest (playing the kind-hearted mother of two) bringing up the rear. Several other well-known names pop up during the movie, starting with the magnificent Vincent Price as an ingenious inventor bearing a resemblance in no small part to Dr Frankenstein… only with slightly more fatherly and kind intentions. Later joined by Kathy Baker and others as the vociferous neighbours, Price and Co. have the audience laughing and weeping before the first half-hour is up.

                An isolated, shy man whose inventor never finished him - leaving him with scissors for hands - is at the heart of this tale. Abandoned by his creator’s untimely death, Edward discovers a talent for topiary and an awareness of his own lack of social skills. So when he is adopted by kindly Avon-representative Peg and falls for the blonde American damsel-in-distress (who is, incidentally, in the clutches of her controlling dragon jock of a boyfriend) a hilarious yet moving chain of consequences quickly spiral. The real way this film captures the audience’s heart is how much personal feeling Burton has deposited into the storyline. As a teenager, Burton spoke the words: “I just got the feeling people had an urge to leave me alone.” This premise shines through Edward’s character in his loneliness and remoteness, touching the hearts of the audience. During the climax of the film, as the town finally turns against Edward (thanks to vicious rumours and scalding lies) the cruel jock boyfriend (menacingly portrayed by Anthony Michael Hall) engages in an attic-bound battle with the gentle Edward, and is subsequently killed. This could have postulated from Burton’s high school vendetta against jocks; you’d have to have a stone heart not to feel what he is offering to the audience.

                In addition to being beautifully scripted and acted, an astounding set accompanies the film. A derelict castle reflects the withdrawn personality of gentlemanly Edward; this design is mirrored by the uniform colours of the suspicious town below him. The inside of each set is no different: a cobweb covered, gloomy mansion for Edward and geometric, brightly-painted family homes for the town. If anyone dares to be different, shock-horror! That is, of course, the expected reaction from the housewives. So why do they initially react well to Mr Scissorhands? Perhaps it is his refreshingly child-like demeanour and his naivety that offers relief from their boring, shallow lives. This grand twist – that greatly challenges dark and misleading stereotypes Tim Burton himself may well have encountered – should guarantee that greatly-coveted Oscar.

                So there you have it. Falling into every genre available - gothic romance, comedy and action - Edward Scissorhands ticks every box for admittance to the road to the red carpet. Boosted by Burton’s propensity to mix darkness with humour, this excellent piece of cinema is a sure winner. Although the ending may provoke a few sniffles and sobs (due to Edward’s lonely retreat), this stunning film has something for everyone. From hysterical laughs and a shining all-star cast, to a blood-thirsty yet naturalistically modernised villain, Tim Burton has moulded the sensitive subject of love and the fight to fit in into a blockbuster movie, destined for a sparkling Oscar award. One last thing… does Edward Scissorhands get the girl? Admittedly, it’s not your average boy-meets-girl drippy romance, so I’m afraid you’ll have to buy your own cinema ticket before making any snap presumptions. But does this film deserve that Oscar? Tim Burton ensures you that yes, yes it does.