Cover Film still from Tim Burton’s ‘Beetlejuice’ (1988)
Film still from Tim Burton’s ‘Beetlejuice’ (1988)
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As the American filmmaker and animator turns 65, we look back at some of his best works
There are a lot of known and talented filmmakers out there, but only a few of them are considered distinct—whose works are easily recognisable by audiences. Tim Burton’s movies, from reviews, comments, and varying feedback, are all described as “Burton-esque”; he showed his identity and aesthetics in the films so flawlessly that the masses can’t help but use his name as an adjective. There is no doubt he has made his mark in the industry.
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This August 25, Burton turns 65. Celebrating his birthday, we look back at some of his acclaimed and most easily recognisable films.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Edward Scissorhands is part of everyone’s childhood. Our gripping fascination with the protagonist’s set of hands (or scissors) is what hooked us to the film. But it was his innocence, his gentleness mixed with quirky eccentricities, that made us stay until the end of it.
And the public agrees. The film was recognised, earning itself a Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation and a BAFTA Award for Best Production Design.
Beetlejuice (1988)
The story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager, fascinates us. Her whole life changed when she met a recently deceased couple and a demon (who has a thing for stripes). Beetlejuice is a combination of humour, horror, and a bit of edge—the words that qualify as being Burton-esque.
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Alice in Wonderland (2010)
We see a more three-dimensional version of Burton’s version of Alice in Wonderland. Real people, with a dash of visual effects maximised to their full potential.
Like many other Tim Burton characters, this version of Alice finds herself in a predicament where she must choose between adolescence and adulthood.
Corpse Bride (2005)
Burton has several animated films under his belt, like The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) and Frankenweenie (2012), but there’s something about Corpse Bride that ticks all the boxes. It has an enjoyable soundtrack and a Burton-esque feeling: animation style.
A sad fairy tale that celebrates the freeing power of true love, Corpse Bride is a film set at death’s bittersweet door.
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Batman Returns (1992)
Batman Returns was more than a superior follow-up to the 1989 original. It excelled in great storytelling and character work—a cinematic blockbuster that makes for a memorable Batman film. Burton never planned this sequel. But when it did, the filmmaker showcased technical and storytelling achievements.
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
