‘Beetlejuice’ & ‘Batman’ Director Tim Burton Explains Why He is Amazed He Made Any Movies in His Career

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As a seasoned movie critic with decades of viewing under my belt, I must say that Tim Burton’s journey through Hollywood is nothing short of extraordinary. Much like his films themselves, it’s a whimsical, slightly twisted tale that defies the norm and embraces the peculiar.

Tim Burton, the creator of movies such as Batman, Edward Scissorhands, and both versions of Beetlejuice, finds it astounding that he’s had a career in Hollywood making films. Given his unique style, it’s not surprising that one of his early works was a black-and-white stop-motion short about a boy enamored with horror icon Vincent Price. Nevertheless, Burton is grateful for his film career, which has thrived despite some considering his work as unconventional or even strange.

At the Marrakech Film Festival, the director shared his thoughts with Deadline about his experiences in Hollywood and movie studios. Specifically, he discussed the ongoing challenges he faces in navigating these professional relationships, despite having successfully produced unconventional films like “Beetlejuice” and “Ed Wood.” He emphasized that trust doesn’t come easily within this system, even after many years of collaboration. Regardless of his past achievements, he continues to view each new project as a fresh challenge.

Regardless if it’s an independent production or a studio film, making a movie is always a tough task. However, since Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, most of my projects have been produced by studios, and I’ve managed to thrive in this system for so long – I find that truly astounding.

Burton initially embarked on his professional journey at Walt Disney Studios in the 80s, contributing as an animator and designer on projects such as “Tron” and “The Black Cauldron”. Having produced some short movies, he recognized that Disney desired to explore different avenues and narratives. Subsequently, he was offered a position to contribute to Pee Wee Herman’s debut film, which caught the attention of Warner Bros., recognizing his potential as a storyteller. However, Burton has periodically revisited collaborations with Disney, with 2019’s “Dumbo” being his latest project at the studio. Despite the passage of time, he still perceived himself as an outcast within this creative environment.

Being more of a non-Disney enthusiast, it felt peculiar to me, almost surprising, to work there. When I attempted animation, my skills were lacking, and they acknowledged that… It felt as if I was the odd one out in the family, granted opportunities but with a sense of unease, a worry about my identity and my actions.

In Hollywood, sometimes it seems like you’re accomplishing a task, but later find out that wasn’t the case at all. These experiences can leave you feeling quite shaken up or disoriented.

Tim Burton is One of the Most Unique Storytellers in Modern Cinema

Burton’s honesty about his long-time industry is spot-on. Despite the unbroken journey from “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” to “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” Burton has faced challenges due to studio interference. His career, though not flawless, seems to have followed an intended path.

When you see a Burton film, you know that it’s a Burton film. His visual language has transcended into cinematic identity like no other filmmaker has. And once you go through all his filmography, you realize Burton never lost his capacity to impress. He just had to keep a restricted profile because what worked in the ‘80s and ‘90s simply doesn’t work the same today.

In a nod to the unique qualities that established Tim Burton as a master of bringing the bizarre to the big screen, the movie “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” showcases this return to form. The film incorporates elements of nostalgia and contemporary references, but at its core, it pays tribute to Burton’s lesser-known inspirations. These include nods to his Italian roots, stop-motion animation techniques, and a wink towards Mario Bava – all reminiscent of his early work. While the presence of these Easter eggs doesn’t fully define Burton’s authenticity, it demonstrates that he continues to disregard studio expectations and remains faithful to the style that made him a renowned director of genre films.

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2024-12-01 04:04