As I revisited the timeless masterpiece that is “Edward Scissorhands” on Disney+, I was struck by a wave of nostalgia that took me back to my childhood, huddled around our old VHS player with popcorn in hand. But oh, what a difference the crystal-clear HD made! It was like seeing the film for the very first time, and I couldn’t help but marvel at Tim Burton’s artistry unfolding before my eyes.
Revisiting some of your favorite childhood films as an adult can be a wonderful journey. At times, it brings back cherished memories with characters you once loved, while at other moments, it feels like seeing the movie for the first time again. This latter experience happened to me recently when I revisited “Edward Scissorhands”, one of the finest movies from the ’90s.
It’s been quite some time since I last watched what many consider one of Tim Burton’s finest films, and my recollection was primarily focused on Johnny Depp’s memorable character, the creative hedge sculptures, and Anthony Michael Hall playing a rather unpleasant role. Re-watching it was enlightening for several reasons, which I’d like to discuss with you now.
I Completely Forgot That The Movie Was An Attack On The Superficiality And Cliquey Nature Of The Suburbs
A point often overlooked about the movie “Edward Scissorhands” is its critique of the shallow and exclusive nature of suburban life. As Peg Boggs (played by Dianne Wiest) ventured from house to house peddling Avon products, I was struck by the monotony, lack of creativity, and uniformity of the suburbs, despite each home being adorned with a vibrant, pastel exterior masking its true, perhaps less than appealing, character.
From the very beginning, it was clear that the neighborhood had a strong clique, particularly the group of housewives such as Joyce Monroe (Kathy Baker) and Helen (Conchata Ferrell), who frequently talked on the phone after Edward moved in with the Boggs and often gathered on a corner to discuss the latest neighborhood disturbance. Tim Burton’s portrayal of this neighborhood and its shallow residents seemed incredibly accurate.
I Am Still Blown Away By The Way Tim Burton Was Able To Create Such Strange And Beautiful Visuals
Tim Burton’s earlier films paved the way for the refinement of his distinctive artistic style in “Edward Scissorhands”. After spending several years developing and perfecting his craft, with movies like “Beetlejuice” and “Batman”, he finally released the masterpiece that was this 1990 classic. The film’s visually striking elements, such as intricately designed miniatures, the geometric patterns of those famous hedge sculptures, or even the eerie appearance of the mansion on the hill, remain captivating over 30 years later.
In my opinion, while I admire Tim Burton’s more recent creations, I can’t help but yearn for his earlier era brimming with practical effects instead of CGI. Those magical days transported me seamlessly into the enchanting realm of Edward Scissorhands and every other masterpiece that preceded it, making me feel like a resident in those captivating worlds.
The Way Tim Burton Depicts Loneliness And Its Effect On People Is Mesmerizing
As a gamer, I’ve always held Tim Burton’s Batman films in high regard due to the compelling portrayal of Michael Keaton’s Bruce Wayne as a tormented and solitary figure, disconnected from the world around him. This resonates deeply with me, especially after watching Johnny Depp’s character in Edward Scissorhands. He’s an incomplete masterpiece, molded by loneliness – first experienced by his creator (played by the legendary Vincent Price in one of his final roles) and then his own following the inventor’s passing.
Similarly, just like the Boggs family seems to inhabit a secluded island amidst their neighborhood, it’s not necessary to reside in a hidden mansion on a hill to feel lonely. Much like Winona Ryder and Dianne Wiest’s characters, they can experience feelings of isolation before Edward enters their lives, only to find connection afterwards.
The Whole Neighborhood Turning On Edward Was Heartbreaking And Also Incredibly Realistic
Following Edward’s entrance, as the housewives get past the initial surprise and recognize his talent with those unusual scissor-like hands, they start to admire him and imagine him in various ways. This is particularly true for Joyce Monroe, who even goes so far as to seduce the naive outcast and manipulate him when she unveils their new salon. Throughout this, I had a sense that something was about to go wrong.
Not surprisingly, the entire neighborhood turns against the solitary figure of Edward after Jim deceives him into participating in a robbery and subsequently implicates him. Even Joyce, as it happens, distorts the tale about the incident at the beauty parlor to give the impression that Edward assaulted her.
Observing clusters of meddlesome individuals attack an innocent party was a painful spectacle to behold, and it carried an unpleasant ring of truth. Burton’s social commentary perfectly captured this observation.
As The Movie Went On, I Kept Finding Myself Relating To The Boggs Family
In contrast to the bustling activities and gossip surrounding them, the Boggs family generally prefers solitude and tends to avoid the trivial talk and commotion typical of suburban existence. As the film progressed, I increasingly identified with the family, particularly Bill Boggs, portrayed by the late Alan Arkin.
This man is an exceptional portrayal of fatherhood I’ve come across recently. He exudes a laid-back charm, yet doesn’t shy away from taking a firm stance or defending those in need, much like Edward. Instead of verbally expressing his emotions, he demonstrates them, which is a behavior we should strive to emulate. The same goes for Kim and Kevin Boggs (Robert Oliveri), who aren’t hesitant to act with integrity even when faced with monotony or wickedness.
Watching Edward Scissorhands On Disney+ Was Like A Whole New Visual Experience, Considering I Previously Watched It On Old VHS Tapes
When I recently streamed “Edward Scissorhands” using my Disney+ subscription, I was astounded by the exceptional high-definition visuals. To be honest, it was a completely fresh experience compared to the VHS tape I used to watch as a kid or the static cable broadcasts. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend giving it a try on this streaming service. The film’s art direction and Tim Burton’s unique visual style truly shine, and you might discover something new about the movie.
Back in 2019, when Disney+ first debuted, I had a strikingly familiar experience watching the original “One Hundred and One Dalmatians.” And let me tell you, I’m convinced that many of the best films on this platform, particularly those bursting with vibrant color schemes, have left an equally lasting impression on some fellow enthusiasts.
Reflecting on my recent rewatch of Edward Scissorhands as an adult, it was truly a memorable and enriching experience that I won’t likely forget anytime soon. With the recent success of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, there’s a chance we might be treated to a sequel down the line.
Stream Edward Scissorhands on Disney+.
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2024-10-06 18:38