This past week was a roller coaster of emotions when it comes to Tim Burton and, specifically Beetlejuice. There were rumors that a sequel to the 1988 horror/comedy had a finished script as well as original stars Winona Ryder and Michael Keaton aboard for a trip back into the world of the deceased. Alas, Burton’s reps released a comment explaining that the director’s focus is on two different films at the moment, Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children and Dumbo.
While that’s sad news, it got me thinking about the director and the great many works that he’s been behind. And while I will fully admit that I think he’s had some serious missteps, I also believe that he’s had some glorious triumphs. So I think it’s time that we celebrate some of those.
While not all of Burton’s movies fall under the horror moniker, I think we can all agree that the director almost always uses a very surreal and sometimes horrific style in his work. Just think of “Large Marge” or the bicycle nightmare scene in Pee Wee’s Big Adventure. Those freaked the hell out of me as a child and I still get slightly unsettled due to nostalgia.
So, without further ado, here are a few of my favorite Tim Burton films. Share your sin the comments below and let’s get some discussions going!
Batman
While not a horror film, there are more than enough dark and twisted moments in this movie to satisfy any fan of the genre. Plus, I don’t think anyone can argue that Jack Nicholson as The Joker is absolutely masterful. There’s a reason people keep asking who was better, Nicholson or Ledger. While both totally different, they’re, in my opinion, on par in terms of their performance.
Also, in what will be a recurring theme in this list, composer Danny Elfman’s score is simply fantastic. Driving, memorable, and perfectly suited (no pun intended), it’s one of the best parts of the movie.
Sleepy Hollow
Back before Johnny Depp was being super weird in pretty much any role he took, he was Constable Ichabod Crane, sent from New York to investigate murder in Sleepy Hollow!
While not a flawless film, Burton’s adaptation of the Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” absolutely exudes atmosphere (it won the Academy Award for Best Art Direction) and looks like no other film that I can think of. It’s got a fun story, a fantastic cast, and wonderful music. Plus, Christopher Walken as the Headless Horseman? Yeah, you win just for that.
Beetlejuice
The whole reason this post even exists. But get ready for this revelation: I can’t tell you how much I HATED Beetlejuice when I was a kid. I just felt really uncomfortable with it. However, as the years passed I began to realize the genius of the movie. From its absolutely brilliant score (that opening theme will never leave my head) to its stunning imagination, the movie is prime example of going outside of the box and finding something truly amazing.
Also, nice fucking model!
