Tim Burton often creates cinematic worlds where the typical reality is skewed in some way. This film is no exception to that rule and I have found it to be one of the most meaningful worlds that Burton (and Johnny Depp) have created. The story follows an ostracized Edward (Depp) through life as he struggles to find both acceptance and love. Depp perfectly captures what it feels like to be different and to be excluded as a result of those differences. While nearly everything in this film is greatly over exaggerated--including the neighbors, what Edward can do with what would typically be referred to as his misfortune and the fact that he has been secluded nearly his entire existence speaks volumes to his resolve. Edward quickly realizes, after finding his new family, that it is love and acceptance that he longs for. Through a series of rather unique events, Edward and Kim (Winona Ryder) realize that beauty is on the inside. This is one of the purest love stories I’ve seen to date, allowing audiences to come to the realization that beauty is both in the eye of the beholder and only skin deep. While Kim and Edward’s final interactions with one another are not the happiest, the final scene of the film is a testament to how strong love can be. The film’s visuals, while sometimes lacking (and it must be taken into consideration that this film was released in 1990), were either dark and dreary or bright and vibrant; there was no in between. Due to the fact that Burton leaned, firmly, towards one of these schemes, rather than somewhere in the middle, the audience was able to understand either the lightheartedness or the severity of each situation in the film. Burton is not on my list of favorite directors, but this film was so well directed, that it is nearly impossible to write him off completely as a successful figure in Hollywood. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099487/?ref_=nv_sr_1?ref_=nv_sr_1
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