As a movie buff with a penchant for uncovering the intricacies of filmmaking and the lives of its talented artists, I find myself utterly captivated by the journey of Ella Purnell. Her remarkable rise to prominence in the television industry is undoubtedly noteworthy, but her early collaboration with Tim Burton on “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” holds a special place in my heart.
Prior to attaining stardom on television, notably starring in acclaimed series such as “Yellowjackets” and “Fallout”, Ella Purnell first gained prominence by appearing alongside an illustrious ensemble cast in Tim Burton’s film adaptation of “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children”. This movie, based on the novel by Ransom Riggs, is generally considered one of Burton’s lesser-known works, frequently overshadowed by his iconic classics like “Edward Scissorhands”, “Beetlejuice”, and “Batman”. The role provided Purnell a unique chance to act in her natural British accent and team up with one of the most admired directors currently active, an experience she describes as both extraordinary and peculiar.
At Fan Expo Chicago (as reported by Collider), Ella Purnell reminisced about her experience working on Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. The actress spoke fondly of director Tim Burton, recalling her initial days on set and observing him at work. She shared an interesting detail about Burton’s dedication to filmmaking – he would often go extended periods without making eye contact during conversations as he immersed himself in the creative process for the movie. In her own words:
“He’s an exceptional individual whom I haven’t met for a long time, possibly since our collaboration on Miss Peregrine’s. He possesses the mind of a brilliant scientist, always engrossed in thought and ideas. His creative process seems to reside high above, allowing him little time to make eye-contact as his thoughts are constantly flowing. With an astounding ability to conceptualize and execute, it’s captivating to observe him at work.”
Ella Purnell Explains Tim Burton’s Directing Process
Tim Burton began his career in filmmaking as early as 1971, starting with a short production called “The Island of Doctor Agor“. After this initial project, he directed numerous shorts and even an episode for “Alfred Hitchcock Presents“, before finally securing his major directorial opportunity with the film “Beetlejuice” which significantly established his unique gothic aesthetic. Over a span of 28 years from “Beetlejuice” to “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children“, it can be assumed that Burton has acquired considerable knowledge in directing. Ella Purnell, one of his collaborators, has described him as a director who is exceptionally well-prepared and open to ideas.
In the course of the conversation, Ella Purnell shared insights into Tim Burton’s directing style, which involves giving actors room to explore their performances. Unlike directors such as Adam McKay who heavily rely on improvisation and experimentation, or The Coen Brothers who strictly follow their meticulously crafted scripts, Burton finds a balance. He allows the actors to be spontaneous during the initial takes, then offers direction and advice based on his prior planning. Ella mentioned that this was her experience working with him.
“In the initial one or two attempts, he gives you the freedom to carry out your ideas, then guides you. This collaborative approach is vital, making it my preferred aspect of this field. Moreover, a director must have solutions. There are moments when you might question why your character says a certain line, what it implies, or how they truly feel about it, and he will always provide insights. He’s meticulously considered every detail. He doesn’t rush to reveal everything immediately; instead, he allows you the space to discover these answers yourself.”
You can watch “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” right now on Disney+. On September 6, catch Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” in theaters.
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2024-08-24 17:01