Fresh from the critical and commercial success of Michael Keaton’s “Batman,” Tim Burton worked on his next film. An original idea based on one of his drawings titled, “Edward Scissorhands.” The drawing is a lonely pale man with scissors for hands. He represents Tim’s loneliness lacking friends growing up. Tim hired novelist, Caroline Thompson to write a script. They brainstormed a cohesive story inspired by fairy tales. Most notably, “Beauty and the Beast” as well as Universal Monsters like “Frankenstein.”
Once the script was done, notable actors considered for the lead role were Gary Oldman, Tom Cruise & Robert Downey Jr. They dropped out due to scheduling conflicts. Tim eventually casted Johnny Depp who just got done with the TV show, “21 Jump Street.” Thus, an actor and director partnership was born.
Released in 1990, (same year Weekly Shonen Jump published YuYu Hakusho) it received praise and became a box office success. The film launched Johnny Depp’s film career as a high-profile actor. Back in 1984, he was an unknown in his film debut in the original “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” Anyway, it’s Christmas Month. You know what that means? I’m gonna watch and review a few Christmas movies. Edward Scissorhands counts as one. Plus, there are three reasons why I’m sharing my thoughts on this gem.
- Terry Gilliam casted Johnny Depp in his next film, “The Carnival at the End of the Days along with Jeff Bridges, Adam Driver & Jason Momoa.
- Tim Burton’s working on Wednesday’s second season with Jenna Ortega reprising her role as the titular character.
- Winona Ryder will reprise her role as Joyce Byers in Stranger Things’ fifth and final season.
This review contains no SPOILERS.
Shiny & Rusty Qualities
Shiny: Johnny Depp did a fantastic job for his performance as the titular character. First time he played a quirky character.
Other Cast Members such as Winona Ryder, Anthony Michael Hall, Dianne Wiest, Alan Arkin & Vincent Price (in his last film) all did a decent job for their respective performances.
Tim Burton did a superb job directing. He also co-wrote the story and co-produced the film.
Caroline Thompson (The Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride) wrote the script.
Tim’s fellow collaborator, Danny Elfman orchestrated the soundtrack.
- Fun Fact 1: Both, Tim & Danny declared Edward Scissorhands as their best work. They even talked about it on the DVD/Blu-Ray commentary. Tim mentioned he doesn’t want to make a sequel. Fearing he’ll rob the film’s purity. Kinda like Steven Spielberg who doesn’t want a sequel to “E.T.”
- Fun Fact 2: In one scene, Tom Jones’ “It’s Not Unusual” is played on the radio. Tim later casted Tom in “Mars Attacks.”
- Fun Fact 3: Johnny & Winona dated offset. The former has a tattoo labeled, “Wino Forever” on his right arm. Then, he married Vanessa Paradis and later that the brown Power Ranger known as, Amber Heard. Glad he separated from that POS.
- Fun Fact 4: This won’t be the last time Tim made a Christmas movie. “Batman Returns” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Stan Winston (The Terminator series, Aliens, Iron Man) applied prosthetic makeup and scissors on Mr. Depp. Edward’s hair is based on The Cure frontman, Robert Smith.
Pacing felt natural from the start.
Cinematography didn’t suffer from excessive Shaky Cam.
I think the film’s set in the 80s with a ’50s aesthetic in the neighborhood.
20th Century Fox Logo is covered in snow. Meaning, it’s a Christmas movie.
A few “Fish Out of Water Moments” with Edward made me chuckle.
I cannot tell you how it ends. You’ll have to see for yourself.
Rusty: Where did Edward get all those hedges and big blocks of ice near the castle? He doesn’t own a phone to order resources.
Not a nitpick, but I didn’t cry towards the end. Only movies that made me cry are listed below.
- Logan
- Interstellar
- Avengers: Endgame
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
- Boys Don’t Cry
- Now Is Good
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
- Furious 7
- No Time to Die
The Final Verdict: A-
Despite one nitpick, Edward Scissorhands is a one of Tim Burton’s best films. If you’re looking for something different to watch during the Holiday Season, watch this with your folks.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 