Review
Edward Scissorhands
- Director
- Tim Burton
- Year
- 1990
- Rating
- Reviewed by
- José Ruiloba a.k.a. Morris
- Review date
- Sunday, August 26, 2001
The movie tells the tale of a man-made young guy (Johnny Depp), whose creator (Vincent Price) dies just before putting hands on him. Thus, Edward’s hands remain as scissors for the rest of his existence. One day, a nice Avon lady (Dianne Weist) finds him and brings him to her home, where her husband (Alan Arkin), son and daughter (Winona Ryder) receive him with different responses. Suddenly, Edward becomes the talk of the town, but it ain’t gonna be that easy for him to adapt to this new environment.
Where do I start? This is that kind of movie which one loves so much that I really really really have no words to express my feelings. This is one of the most beautiful enchanting stories I’ve ever seen. It is also one of the most unique movies I’ve ever witnessed. And the love story at the core left me breathless. It is haunting, poignant, compelling, subtle and one of the most amazing romances ever put on the big screen.
The movie is part fable part social satire. It is a rare mixture, but it is to be expected of Tim Burton. That’s what he does best. A fable because the whole story has a fairy tale-like feel to it. The world Burton portrays might not exist. It is all product of his imaginative mind, but is it the perfect way to tell his story. Burton paints a portrait of American suburbia that is flat out hilarious. The way people interact, the way they respond to Edward, the way they’re influenced by each other, the way things might not be as they look. It is all shown here in full splendor with a wicked sense of humor.
Edward Scissorhands might also serve as a metaphor of how difficult it is for a young lad to adapt to the world surrounding him. We all know how difficult it is to grow up. Edward embodies that uncertainty. He has never seen the world. He is suddenly shown how things really are. It is not a pretty picture. Alienation, love, hate, confused feelings, so much going on. He’s special, he’s got a special talent that makes him unique. But, as a matter of fact, aren’t we all supposed to be special and unique? Or are we just like others want us to be? Do we really feel that we are one-of-a-kind? We are, you know. And there’s nothing more satisfying than realizing that.
Johnny Depp plays Edward in what is one of his best performances. He barely talks, but it is through his movements and expressions that we understand him and know how he’s feeling. Dianne Weist is extremely likable as the woman who accepts him into her home just to help him. Winona Ryder is simply marvelous as the beautiful and confused daughter, and Kathy Bates is a lot of fun to watch as one of the neighbors.
Danny Elfman’s score actually deserves a paragraph of its own, because it simply is grand, splendid and touching all at the same time. Blended with the jaw-droppingly impressive visual style and scenarios and makeup and costumes, the movie has it all going for it.
You know, I could go on forever talking about Edward Scissorhands. It is just one of those experiences you can’t stop thinking about. Like that snowing scene, which will stay in my mind forever. It ends in a perfect note that embodies everything Burton wanted to tell us. It is enchanting, it is magical, it is a masterpiece. And I can’t get this stupid smile out of my face!
“I can’t”
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Comments
Morris wrote at 6/22/2002:
Since you love this movie so much Jacinda, your words mean a lot to me. Thanx for the comments! Groucho wrote at 6/22/2002:
Gosh, what a lovely movie! I suppose I don't love it as much as Morris and Jacinda do, but I do think it is wonderful. Perhaps it does want to transmit all what Morris says and achieves to do so. I sure had a good time watching it and the fantasy really absorbed me. This one, I think, will be Burton's greatest classic in history. Besides, it's the most notable Burton-Elfman-Depp team-up. It is a classic already. Groucho wrote at 11/27/2002 2:12:42 PM:
After seeing a couple of films starring or featuring Vincent Price in the old days, before and after he became a horror film star, I can do no less than praise him for his performance in this movie too (as the inventor). It's great to see him support such a story with a strong though short performance that somewhat reminds us of the old days. Kudos for Mr. Price!!!Leave a comment
Jacinda wrote at 6/22/2002:
I couldn't have said it better myself. This has remained my favorite Burton movie ever since I saw it back in 1992. I just love everything about Edward. The visuals, the story, the score, Johnny, Winona... In fact Danny Elfman's score is my favorite score of them all. It's always hard for me to express my feelings about a movie that touches me on a personal level. I'm glad you could pull it off though, Morris! Thanks for the beautiful review.