Most people, even if they’ve never seen his work, know of the name Tim Burton. In our day and age, he has become a staple as kids each Halloween request to watch well known movies like “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Corpse Bride.” The ‘Burton-esque’ style haunts the minds of many, while some are too creeped out to even turn to look. Who exactly is this kooky man behind many people’s favorite spooky films?
Tim Burton was born in Burbank California on August 25, 1958. Unlike most kids, he enjoyed spending time in cemeteries or visiting wax museums. According to Vox.com, his art style much reflected his outlook on life, and caught the attention of Disney several times, before finally landing him a job there. He got his start as a Disney animator, but it was clear Disney didn’t know what to do with him. He couldn’t replicate the Disney art style, instead opting for something that reflected German Expressionism. That aesthetic features dreamlike unrealities and sharply exaggerated backdrops, much too edgy for the soft style of Disney animation.
Disney initially rejected “The Nightmare Before Christmas” because of his vastly different style. After “The Nightmare Before Christmas” was released, the proposition for “Frankenweenie” led to his removal from the franchise. A typical Tuesday in the life of a guy like Burton. He continued on his own, creating the ‘Burton-esque’ movies that people often talk about.
His style reflects stark aspects that often aren’t seen in other movies from visual distortion, to dialed-up color contrasts, to the looming architectural shapes that feel very unrealistic to viewers. He also takes a lot of inspiration from “Day of the Dead.” For example, Emily from “Corpse Bride” is a walking calavera. The mixture of all of those things define his style as something vastly different from most films, making him stand out more than most.
I personally don’t care for Burton for many of the same reasons that Disney fired him. His animation style makes me uncomfortable, possibly for good reason. Burton’s films are very Gothic and dark, often associated with Halloween. In the same way that I don’t like to be scared, others love it, and in turn really like his movies. “I LOVE Tim Burton movies and I have since I was very young. Watching them made me feel mature and kind of edgy I guess?” said Senior Kai McRorie.
The dark, edginess of Burton’s movies is definitely an appeal, especially for those who like that feeling. “I love Tim Burton movies because they always have a message behind them, with people finding themselves or being accepted despite something different about them,” said Senior Bethany Miller.
Burton’s movies often manage to have something to them that is more than meets the eye. Emily just wants love. Jack wants something new in his life. The characters are genuine, even if a little creepy looking. For that reason, the Tim Burton appeal really does depend on perspective, and what people enjoy. Some may not care for visual distortion, or angles that make them uncomfortable. However, the hidden messages may make them something that is more than meets the eye.
It could be a lesson to all of us to be like Burton. Let’s not care what others think, and do something just because it’s enjoyable, because who knows? Maybe, people might be lucky enough to make a career out of it!
