As a long-time admirer of Tim Burton‘s unique and darkly humorous style, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and nostalgia when I heard about the release of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”. Having grown up watching the original 1988 film, it holds a special place in my heart. So, when I learned that after three decades, Burton was returning to the world he created, I was overjoyed.
Tim Burton waited 36 years to work on the second chapter of his “Beetlejuice” series, and he believes it might be another several decades until we see a third installment.
I just got back from the 81st Venice Film Festival after flying over, and now I’m here in London’s Leicester Square for the U.K. premiere of the latest Tim Burton-inspired creepy adventure! It was great to see Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara again as they joined me for this exciting event – Beetlejuice Beetlejuice!
In a high-grossing film, Jenna Ortega (portraying Astrid, Ryder’s daughter) walked the checkered red carpet with the latest additions to the cast, Justin Theroux and Monica Bellucci.
When asked about a possible Beetlejuice sequel, the horror genre legend, aged 66, expressed skepticism. “Given the current pace, I might be close to 100 by then. Frankly, I’m not holding my breath,” he told The Hollywood Reporter.
Tim Burton, renowned for creating films like “Edward Scissorhands,” “The Corpse Bride,” and “Alice in Wonderland,” has expressed that the sequel he’s working on holds a deep personal connection for him. But why 2024 as the ideal year for this follow-up to the beloved horror-comedy cult classic? Burton explains, “I found myself drawn to the character of Lydia (Ryder). As we age, our thoughts often turn to life’s experiences. [Lydia], initially a cool teenager, makes me think about relationships, parenthood, and personal growth – topics I can relate to given my own journey. Therefore, it seemed more fitting to create this film now, rather than in the late 80s.”
Lately, Ortega has earned the title of a “scream queen” in her roles, figuratively and literally speaking. She’s made notable appearances in the Scream series and four episodes of Wednesday directed by Tim Burton on Netflix. This has established her as a trusted choice for horror genre specialists like Burton. For Beetlejuice 2, it was an obvious decision to involve Ortega. When Burton calls, you pick up.
“Absolutely, that’s correct,” Ortega shares with THR. “I was taken aback when he inquired about Wednesday, and even more so about Beetlejuice. Working alongside him has been a long-cherished aspiration. Contrary to expectations, the supernatural characters and sets of a Tim Burton production are surprisingly laid-back. It’s wonderful – it’s secure, collaborative, inviting, and everyone consistently surpasses themselves. The atmosphere is lively, it doesn’t feel like work, and you don’t want to depart. Playing her daughter is arguably one of the most gratifying roles I’ve ever played. She is truly a legend and one of the kindest individuals.”
Willem Dafoe had never collaborated with Burton prior to this movie, and his eagerness couldn’t have been more intense. “That was a significant attraction,” Dafoe explains. “I must confess, I’ve admired him for quite some time, and I genuinely appreciate his films. He’s made a substantial impact on cinema, so when he invited me to join him, even if I wasn’t entirely certain about the project, I was more than pleased to agree.”
In this film, Dafoe portrays a ghost police officer, and before his demise, he was a moderately famous movie star. The actor found amusement in poking fun at himself, commenting that he could exploit the vanity often associated with actors. “You know, the self-absorption of actors, things like that, I [could] play within this.” He undergoes a visually transformative appearance in the film, reminiscent of his prosthetics from Poor Things. Regarding his altered look, he says, “Apparently people want to damage me for roles.” It took time to apply the makeup because each piece was hand-painted. The appeal of the movie lies in its low-tech effects, which are authentic and not digitally enhanced. This adds a unique charm to the film, as it has a whimsical, playful aesthetic while still maintaining a horror theme.
At this year’s enchanting Venice Film Festival, I was part of the captivated audience who enthusiastically stood and cheered as Beetlejuice Beetlejuice graced our screens during its world debut on Wednesday evening. This beloved specter is scheduled to haunt American cinemas once more starting September 6th.
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2024-08-30 00:56