Edward Scissorhands (1990)
(12) 105 min - Drama | Fantasy | Romance - 26 July 1991 (UK)
IMDB Rating: 8.0/10 -- Not bad eh? :) (I always like to check IMDB rating before watching a movie. They haven't let me down to date)
Director: Tim Burton Writers: Tim Burton (story), Caroline Thompson
Star
Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder and Dianne WiestRating; B+
My Thoughts - So, I just finished watching Edward Scissorhands after it was recommended by Vinaya over at The Book Lantern, and boy am I glad that I did. I haven't watched any Tim Burton or all that many Johnny and Winona
Edward Scissorhand is the story of an artificial boy called Edward whose creator died before he could finish him. One of the unfinished parts: being his hands. Because of his death Edward was left uncompleted and left with scissors for hands. He has lived alone ever since -- that is until Peg Boggs a local Avon saleswomen pays a visit and despite being shocked and a little scared she decides that she wants to take this lost boy home, and she does.
Living in a suburban neighbourhood she lives the good life with husband Bill, son Kevin and Daughter Kim. The locals it is apparent are quite the gossiping kind and when they see this new arrival they are instantly intrigued. Soon enough it becomes clear that Edwards Scissor hands are an advantage as much as an disadvantage. He is an exceptional hedge and hair trimmer. So much so that soon everyone is taking full advantage of these skills.
Edward is a peculiar boy, but what instantly warmed me was how quick the neighbours become accustomed to him. It didn't take long for people to accept him, and although this scenario is completely unrealistic I had to remind myself, that hey, it's fantasy right? We can be over dramatic and unrealistic as possible here which is what I loved about this movie. I didn't have to criticise every little thing because it was pure fantasy which enabled me to sit back and relax. I have always had a big imagination so I naturally just seemed to really gel with the movie and the dramatic scenarios it tended to display at times.
Edward is close to Peg and with good reason. She is loving and protective, has given him comfort and a home, and it is clear that he loves her as much as she does him.
Although it's hard for him to understand humour or show emotion, when he does show emotion it can either be wonderful or plain disastrous. He hardly knows right from wrong and therefore doesn't know how to pick up on someone’s reaction towards him until it's too late and is easily influenced which does him more bad than good. It's hard for him to pick up on someone’s facial expression also which causes many conflicts and communication barriers later on in the movie.
I now know that the movie is slightly reflected on the Director *Tim Burton's* life who also grew up in a Suburban area and often felt like he wasn't understood and was left alone. In a way this is very inspirational -- knowing that it isn't just a movie which only means something to us, but also to the actual director -- to Johnny Depp who wept after reading the script because he understood Edward and sympathised with him so well. It was little things like this that I learnt after watching the movie which made it a little extra special and more meaningful.
Overall I was pretty amazed by it and so sucked in. I felt so much for Edward -- for this boy who struggled so tragically to fit in. Who wanted a family so bad. That might just be the most heartbreaking thing of all. --that he simply wanted to be loved, and wanted the girl that he loved.
The movie shows that just as quick as people might embrace you it doesn't take much for them to turn on you.
There were some things which I found odd being Peg and Bill. There were times when there would be a very serious situation and the father would go on whistling as if everything was fine although it was clearly wasn't. That slightly got on my nerves because they came across as a little kooky to me, and didn't seem to take much seriously or into consideration. That was the only issue that I had though.
I also had these moments where I would say "omg he's so adorable. Awwww. Arghh. Awww" *enters dopey expression which for the most part included me sighing and smiling*and my brother would be right there looking at me funny and say "Tell me how that guy is cute?" "Just look at HIM, HOW IS HE NOT CUTE?" I replied! So before you think I have lost it, it wasn't his appearance that I found adorable, but rather his facial expressions. This child - like personality of his that made me want to go up to him and give him a big hug!
Then there would be times where he wanted to do the right thing, he wanted to help but his body did otherwise. He wanted to hold you, to touch your cheek but at times he would forget that he didn't have hands, and things would only get worse from there. People knew that his intentions were right but would go against him anyway. That was what I found so sad, that people can be so kind and suddenly just as cruel the next.
The ending is just plain sad. There is no other way to go about it really. I had hoped things would have turned out differently but despite it being so devastating I don't think they could have ended it more perfectly. What I think is so remarkable about this movie is that it can have a profound affect on people of all ages. Children, teens and adults can all watch this and be blown away by it, and appreciate the movie all the same.
Posts
