It is only in
a Tim Burton world that such a scenario could
begin a film...we have a dark, gothic looking
castle sitting in the midst of small-town
America. It is unlike any other home in the
town, and it clearly is a place to be avoided.
It exudes darkness and isolation. Yet, in a Tim
Burton world nothing is untouchable and no place
is unreachable. So, we become witness to the
town's ever present Avon Lady (Dianne Wiest)
walking dutifully to the door, knocking on the
door and meeting its sole inhabitant, Edward
(Johnny Depp).
Wiest is, perhaps, the perfect actress to play
this role as she herself presents as eccentric
yet strangely maternal. She listens to Edward
unlike anyone probably ever has, and she learns
that he was created in a laboratory, however,
before he could be finished his creator (Vincent
Price) died leaving him with scissors for hands.
She becomes the protector of Edward and takes
him home to her family, a spouse (Alan Arkin)
and daughter (Winona Ryder). Much of the first
half of the film involves Edward's transition to
a more socialized existence, and the natural
curiosity of the neighbors, ranging from a nosy
Joyce (Cathy Baker) to a wide range of others.
In many ways, Edwards becomes accepted for his
gifts with his hands, especially for lawn
decoration. His scenes with Winona Ryder are
quite tender, and scenes with neighborhood
children of great innocence.
Yet,being in small-town America always exacts a
price. Edward becomes the object of ridicule and
hatred of Jim, a town bully (Anthony Michael
Hall).
Here is where the script from Burton and
Caroline Thompson begins to do a slow fade into
mediocrity. Where the first 2/3 of the film had
been unique, innovative, touching and
imaginative, the latter 1/3 of the film becomes
stereotypical Hollywood and the ending itself
feels largely plastered on and created only for
marketing purposes. It is, in my opinion, where
the film loses its potential for greatness.
As with nearly all Burton films, "Edward
Scissorhands" is beautiful to behold with
stunning cinematography, art design, costume
design and production values. Burton always has
a stunning vision and the ability to create that
vision within the context of film. Yet, "Edward
Scissorhands" also reveals Burton's willingness
to occasionally dip into his barrel of cliche's
in order to finish a story. Furthermore, he
occasionally rests on the style of his film
instead of using that style to enhance the
development of his characters. Thus, towards the
end when we are forced to deal with Edward's
conflicts it is difficult to become emotionally
involved in the scenario.
Johnny Depp is simply marvelous in the role of
Edward. Long a courageous actor, Depp inhabits a
character that by all accounts should have been
a freak or caricature. Instead, Depp gives
Edward a soulfulness and depth that makes you
ache for him until the final third of the film.
"Edward Scissorhands" is a special film. It's a
unique, lovely and enchanting Burton vision
brought to life beautifully. Bordering on
masterpiece, but nearly sabotaged by the final
third of the film, "Edward Scissorhands" will
move you even when the script fails him. In a
time when too many films fall into the cookie
cutter studio formulas, "Edward Scissorhands" is
a reminder of the power of a unique story and a
grand vision to entertain and inspire.
©
Written by Richard Propes
TC Candler's Comment
N/A
Jacob
Hall's Comment
N/A
