As a long-time admirer of Tim Burton’s whimsical and macabre style, I must confess that Corpse Bride was a delightful surprise for me. Having grown up with the enchanting stop-motion world of The Nightmare Before Christmas, it was intriguing to witness the evolution of Burton’s unique aesthetic in this film.
I’m quite fond of Tim Burton’s work, having watched almost all his movies and TV projects, particularly those considered his best. His direction left a significant mark on me during my formative years as a movie and TV fan. Consequently, some of his films are among my favorites, but there are others I put off watching. The most notable one I delayed was Corpse Bride.
I’ve always found myself in a situation where it seemed improper for me to watch more Tim Burton films, as there were still some I hadn’t seen. However, the arrival of the new movie, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, has sparked my interest in revisiting and discovering some Tim Burton movies. Consequently, I ended up watching Corpse Bride, and it lived up to expectations.
It appeared that Corpse Bride was an ideal film to watch on Max for Halloween. It certainly put me in the mood for the eerie holiday and offered some intriguing perspectives into this famous fantasy tale. As I watched Corpse Bride, it became clear that I had formed incorrect ideas about its storyline, themes, and artistic choices.
Warning: Corpse Bride SPOILERS are ahead. Proceed with caution.
Corpse Bride Has A More Complicated Love Story Than Expected
In the movie “Corpse Bride,” we follow the tale of Victor (Johnny Depp), who is preparing for an arranged marriage with Victoria (Emily Watson). However, in a mix-up, Victor unintentionally pledges his love to Emily, a corpse bride (Helena Bonham Carter). Before their respective weddings, Victor and Victoria share just one meeting, but they instantly connect. Initially apprehensive about their upcoming unions, they soon find themselves looking forward to them instead. The unexpected romance between Victoria and Victor, as well as Emily’s affection for Victor, adds a layer of complexity to the story.
Emily develops feelings for Victor, yet he maintains his connection with Victoria. He harbors intentions to marry her. Similarly, Emily expresses her desire to marry him as well. Emily’s actions add complexity to their relationship, but not out of malice. Victor also feels compelled to marry Emily due to a sense of duty. Despite his feelings for the Corpse Bride, he does not return her love.
Initially, I assumed that the “Corpse Bride” was a tale where a man develops feelings for a deceased bride. However, I didn’t expect it to be a love triangle. Interestingly enough, it turned out that Victor and Victoria share a strong connection, hinted by their shared name, which suggests they are meant for each other. In essence, “Corpse Bride” is a love story, but it also delves into the theme of finding inner peace, as Emily needs it to transition from the realm of the living. The movie carries profound messages about grief, particularly the sorrow over unrealized potential in one’s life.
Contrary to her appearance as a corpse bride, Emily isn’t portrayed as the antagonist in this tale. Unlike some might assume, she doesn’t coerce Victor into marriage but instead sets him free from feelings of obligation. The love story or triangle that unfolds is far from straightforward, offering a richness and depth beyond initial expectations.
I Didn’t Know It Is A Musical
It wasn’t until I watched Corpse Bride that I discovered its musical element, and when it started singing, it caught me off guard but I found myself enjoying it. None of the songs from Corpse Bride stood out to me, yet I admire the musical aspect. Furthermore, Danny Elfman, a longtime collaborator of Tim Burton, composed the music for Corpse Bride, which added significantly to the film’s quality.
Burton, having a knack for musicals, left an impressive mark with his adaptation of “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”, a film I greatly admire, featuring one of Johnny Depp’s finest performances. Hearing the singing in “Corpse Bride” brought back memories of that movie, and I found myself yearning for more melodies and musical numbers.
In the film “Corpse Bride“, it seems as though a tantalizing glimpse of a potentially superior movie lies within, had there been a handful more unique melodies and captivating performances added to the mix. However, those that are included in the final cut certainly deliver on visual and aural appeal.
Corpse Bride Shows An Evolution Of Tim Burton’s Stop Motion Style
As a diehard fan, I might say: Although Henry Selick, not me, was the one who directed “The Nightmare Before Christmas”, I played a significant role in shaping its concept art and characters. This dark fantasy world is a testament to my unique stop-motion style, a signature that can also be seen in movies like “Beetlejuice” and even full stop-motion films such as “Frankenweenie”.
In a fresh and distinctive manner, Corpse Bride exhibits classic Tim Burton-style stop-motion artistry, yet showcases an advanced take on some of his prior creations. It’s immediately apparent that this film is a Burton production, but it presents a unique and invigorating perspective by deviating slightly from the familiar formula. The universe of Corpse Bride seems to be a part of Tim Burton’s world, yet it doesn’t replicate every aspect of his other works.
I found it delightful that the film appeared reminiscent of Burton’s work, yet distinct from his previous stop-motion ventures. It left me eager to explore further stop-motion productions by Burton, hoping to witness the evolution and progression of his unique style.
The Murder Plot Reminds Me Of Coco
In the animated film “Corpse Bride”, it turns out that Barkis Bittern, played by Richard E. Grant, is Emily’s swindling ex-fiancé and murderer. It quickly becomes apparent that he intended to repeat his deceitful schemes on Victoria, much like Ernesto de la Cruz in Pixar’s “Coco”. Although the stories differ, both films share a common theme where a seemingly reliable character ultimately reveals themselves as the villain.
Furthermore, when the deceased begin conversing with their family members, it sparked thoughts of resemblance to the movie Coco for me. While the comparisons are coincidental, they make for an entertaining analysis. I’m a big fan of Coco, and I found enjoyable the part about a mischievous man who ultimately receives his just desserts. Moreover, I appreciate the brief moments in Corpse Bride where the dead reconnect with their loved ones.
The sweetness of Barkis’s ending was heightened as he joined the deceased, ultimately meeting a grim fate at their hands.
It Is A Lot More Sentimental Than Expected
The animated film “Corpse Bride” is brimming with emotion, particularly concerning the theme of unrequited love, making it impossible not to sympathize with Emily. She was simply a character deceived by a swindler, an experience many can relate to. Furthermore, Victor and Victoria were endearing and lovable as a couple. Given his feelings, there’s no reason to criticize Victor for loving whom he loved.
This movie is an exceptionally heartwarming romantic film. Moreover, the concept of the dead reconnecting with their loved ones is quite emotional and stirring. It prompts one to reflect on lost loved ones and the idea of losing love. To put it another way, Corpse Bride concludes with a touch of melancholy, enhancing the film’s emotional resonance.
Although Corpse Bride doesn’t make it to my top-favorite Tim Burton films, it certainly surpassed my expectations by offering a unique twist. I am looking forward to watching it again.
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2024-10-19 23:07