Tim Burton

Timothy William Burton (born August 25, 1958) is an Academy Award-nominated American film director, writer and designer known for his off-beat and quirky style. Especially in his stop-motion animated films, he is known for the exaggerated style of his characters, which still retain their serious, humanlike characteristics. He first came to note directing the Warner Brothers film Beetlejuice, which was followed by the blockbuster success of Batman in 1989. Following which he continued to make blockbusters as well as smaller dramas that continue to study loneliness in a style influenced by Gothic fairy tales.

Early life

Burton was born in Burbank, California, the first of two sons to Bill Burton and Jean Erickson. Burton described his childhood self as quirky, self-absorbed and highly imaginative. He found home life and school difficult and he escaped the reality of everyday life by watching horror and low budget films, to which he would later pay tribute in his biography of Edward D. Wood, Jr. Another film figure of importance in Burton's childhood is Vincent Price, whose filmography would deeply influence the upcoming director's career.

Following high school, he won a Disney scholarship to attend the California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, California. He studied animation for three years and was then hired by the Walt Disney Studios as an animator apprentice. Burton's job was to draw for The Fox and the Hound. Burton was dissatisfied with the artistic direction of the movie. He later commented on the refusal of Disney to use his design for The Fox and the Hound because his designs made the characters, in opposition to Disney's desires, "look like roadkill." Burton was not happy during his Disney period, yet it was during this period that he wrote and drew the poem and illustrations that would be the basis for his celebrated The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Early career

In 1982, Burton made his first short, Vincent, a six-minute stop-motion film about a young boy who fantasizes that he is his (and Burton's) screen idol Vincent Price, with Price himself providing narration. This was followed by the live-action short Frankenweenie, starring Barret Oliver, Daniel Stern, and Shelley Duvall (an early supporter of Burton's work). Shot in black and white and inspired by James Whale's Frankenstein, Frankenweenie features a boy who reanimates his dog Sparky after he was hit by a car. Although the film won praise at film festivals, Disney was concerned that the film was too scary for children and, not knowing what to do with it, shelved the film (Frankenweenie later received a video release in 1992).

Although Burton's work had yet to see wide release, he began to attract the attention of the film industry. Actor/producer Griffin Dunne, approached Burton to direct After Hours (1985), a comedy about a bored word processor who survives a crazy night in SoHo that had already been passed over by Martin Scorsese. However, when financing for The Last Temptation of Christ fell through, Burton bowed out of the project out of respect for Scorsese.

Not long after, actor Paul Reubens saw Frankenweenie and chose Burton to direct the cinematic spinoff of his popular character Pee-wee Herman, who had gained popularity with a successful stage show at the Roxy, which had been turned into an HBO special. The film, Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (1985), was made on a budget of $7 million and grossed more than $40 million at the box office. Burton, a fan of the eccentric musical group Oingo Boingo, asked vocalist/songwriter Danny Elfman to provide the music for the film. Since then, Elfman has provided the score for all but one Burton film, Ed Wood.

After directing episodes for the revitalized TV series Alfred Hitchcock Presents and Shelley Duvall's Faerie Tale Theatre, Burton received his next big project. Beetlejuice (1988), a supernatural comedy about a young couple forced to cope with life after death, as well as a family of pretentious yuppies invading their treasured New England home. Starring Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis, and featuring Michael Keaton as the famously repulsive demon Betelgeuse, the film grossed about $80 million on a relatively low budget. The film also snagged a Best Makeup Design Oscar.

Batman

Burton's ability to produce hits with low budgets impressed studio executives and he received his first big budget film Batman (1989). The mega-budget production, based in London, was plagued with problems. Burton repeatedly clashed with the film's producers, Jon Peters and Peter Guber, but the most notable debacle involved casting. Burton wanted to cast Michael Keaton from his previous film as Batman, despite Keaton's average physique, inexperience with action films, and reputation as a comic actor. Although Burton won out in the end, the furor over the casting provoked enormous fan animosity, to the extent where Warner Bros. share price slumped. Burton claimed that he thought it was ridiculous to cast a bulked-up he-man as Batman, insisting that the Caped Crusader should be an ordinary (albeit fabulously wealthy) man who dressed up in an elaborate bat costume to frighten criminals. Burton cast Jack Nicholson as the Joker (Tim Curry was his second choice) in a move that helped assuage fans' fears, as well as attracting older audiences not as interested in a superhero film. When the film opened in June 1989, it was backed by the biggest marketing and merchandising campaign in film history at the time, and Batman became one of the biggest box office hits of all time, grossing well over $400 million worldwide and $250 million in the U.S. alone. The film proved to be a huge influence on future superhero films, which eschewed the bright, all-American heroism of Superman for a grimmer look and characters with more psychological depth.

The 1990s

In 1990, Burton co-wrote (with Caroline Thompson) and directed Edward Scissorhands, re-uniting with Winona Ryder from the "Beetlejuice" days. Johnny Depp, a teen idol at the end of the 1980s due primarily to his work on the hit TV series 21 Jump Street, was cast in the title role of Edward, who was the creation of an eccentric and old fashioned inventor (played by Vincent Price, in his last appearance on screen before his death). Edward looked human, but was left with scissors in the place of hands due to the untimely death of his creator. Set in suburbia (the film was shot in Florida), the film is largely seen as Burton's autobiography of his own childhood in the suburb of Burbank. Price at one point said, "Tim is Edward." Johnny Depp has also made a similar comment in the foreword to Mark Salisbury's book, Burton on Burton, regarding his first meeting with Burton over the casting of the film. Following this collaboration with Burton, Depp went on to star in Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and as a voice actor in Corpse Bride.

Batman Returns

Although Warner Bros. had declined to make the more personal Scissorhands even after the success of Batman, Burton finally agreed to direct a sequel on the condition that he would be granted total control. The result was Batman Returns, which featured Michael Keaton returning as the Dark Knight, and a new triad of villains: Danny De Vito (as the Penguin), Michelle Pfeiffer (as Catwoman), and Christopher Walken. Darker and considerably more personal than its predecessor, concerns were raised that the film was too scary for children. Audiences were even more uncomfortable at the film's overt sexuality, personified by the sleek, fetish-inspired styling of Catwoman's costume. One critic described the film as "too many villains spoiled the Batman", highlighting Burton's decision to focus the storyline more on the villains instead of Batman (though this was also somewhat true of the previous film). Batman Returns grossed $160 million, which, while still a big success, was much less than expected. Burton then went on to do preliminary work on the third installment in the franchise, Batman Forever. Michael Keaton would reprise his role as the title character, Chris O'Donnell was cast as Robin and Jim Carrey as the Riddler, after Robin Williams turned down the part. Michelle Pfeiffer would return as Catwoman, having survived the events of Batman Returns and Rene Russo was cast as love interest Dr. Chase Meridian. Warner Bros. ultimately threw out Burton after they realised the tone of the film was to be similar to Batman Returns. Burton left the Batman franchise from this point on (though he returned as a producer for the Joel Schumacher directed Batman Forever (1995), a movie which he said had a title "like a tattoo you get when you're on drugs").

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Next, Burton wrote and produced (but did not direct, due to schedule constraints) The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), originally meant to be a children's book in rhyme. The film was directed by Henry Selick and written by Michael McDowell and Caroline Thompson, based on Burton's original story, world and characters. The film continues to have a wide cult following. Burton collaborated with Selick again for James and the Giant Peach (1996), which Burton co-produced.

Ed Wood

His next film, Ed Wood (1994), was of a much smaller scale, depicting the life of Ed Wood Jr., a filmmaker sometimes called "the worst director of all time." Again starring Depp in the title role, the film is an homage to the low-budget sci-fi and horror films of Burton's childhood, and handles its comical protagonist and his motley band of collaborators with surprising fondness and sensitivity, culminating in Ed leaving the preview of his latest movie believing that he has succeeded in his goal to make great movies (though the real Ed Wood died a lonely alcoholic death, having never achieved success in his lifetime). Due to creative squabbles during the making of The Nightmare Before Christmas, Danny Elfman declined to score Ed Wood, and the assignment went to Howard Shore. While a commercial failure at the time of its release, Ed Wood was well received by critics and has since gathered a considerable fanbase, as well as helped revive the public interest for the films of Ed Wood Jr.

Mars Attacks!

Elfman and Burton reunited for Mars Attacks! (1996). Based on a popular science fiction trading card series, the film was a hybrid of 1950's sci-fi flicks and 1970's all-star disaster flicks. It's an anarchic cacophony of clever satire and goofy mayhem. Coincidental timing made it an inadvertent spoof of blockbusters such as Independence Day, made around the same time and released five months earlier. Although the film boasted an all-star cast, including Jack Nicholson, Pierce Brosnan, Michael J. Fox, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Rod Steiger, among others, the film was panned by American critics and mostly ignored by domestic audiences. It was however more successful abroad, and it later managed to gather a domestic fan base from its TV runs and DVD release.

Sleepy Hollow

Sleepy Hollow released in the autumn of 1999, was a return to vintage Burton, with a supernatural setting, unique sets, and another offbeat performance by Johnny Depp as Ichabod Crane, now a detective with an interest in forensic science rather than the schoolteacher of Washington Irving's original tale. A host of Burton regulars appeared in supporting roles (Michael Gough, Jeffrey Jones and Christopher Walken, among others) and Christina Ricci was cast as Katrina van Tassel. Mostly well received by critics, and with a special mention to Elfman's especially Gothic score, the film won an Academy Award for Best Art Direction, as well as two BAFTAs for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design. A box office success, Sleepy Hollow was also a turning point for Burton. Along with change in his personal life (separation from Lisa Marie), Burton changed radically in style for his next project, leaving the haunted forests and colorful outcasts behind to go on to directing a remake of Planet of the Apes.

The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy: and Other Stories

His book The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy: and Other Stories was published in 1997. The collection of verse is about misfit children such as Oyster Boy, Match Girl, Stainboy (who used to have his own flash cartoon series on atomfilms.com), the Girl Who Turned into a Bed, and other such outcasts.

The 2000s

Planet of the Apes was a commercial success, grossing $68 million in its opening weekend. It was however panned by critics and was widely considered as inferior to the original. The film was a significant departure from Burton's usual style, and there was much subsequent debate about whether the film was really Burton's, or if he was just a "hired gun" who did what he was asked. [1] Burton reportedly clashed with the studio during the whole making of the film, once going as far as abruptly leaving the set for the day.

Burton went on to direct Big Fish (2003), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) and Corpse Bride (2005), for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature Film.

Personal life

In 1989, he married Lena Gieseke, a German artist. They divorced shortly after the filming of Batman Returns. He was also engaged to Lisa Marie from 1992-2001. He is currently engaged to Helena Bonham Carter (since 2001) and lives in London. They have a son, Billy-Ray Burton, born in October 2003.

Burton reportedly remains estranged from his brother Daniel and his mother. His father, a former minor league baseball player, died around 2001.

The future

On June 13, 2006, Burton announced that he would be postponing his work on Believe It or Not to concentrate on the film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Burton's regular, Johnny Depp, has been signed on to play the murderous barber.

In February 2006, in an interview Tim debunked rumors of Beetlejuice 2, Edward Scissorhands 2, and The Nightmare Before Christmas 2. In that same interview, he also expressed interest in an Edgar Allan Poe film in the near future. [2]

Tim directed and worked on a music video for The Killers entitled Bones. The video featured computer graphics and skeletons.

The Nightmare Before Christmas 3D came out on the 20th October 2006, in Real D and December 1st in all theaters in regular anaglyph.

He is also possibly working on a film with Pixar. [3]

Trademarks

• Worked into the designs of many things seen on screen are elegant curls. The ends of lines often taper off into thin spirals at the ends. The most famous of these curls is the hill in The Nightmare Before Christmas
• Frequently uses the name Edward
• Visual style and themes heavily influenced by Gothic horror films of the twenties and thirties, especially those of James Whale and F.W. Murnau, along with the films of German Expressionism. The illustrations of Edward Gorey are another major influence.
• Frequently works with actor Johnny Depp. The two collaborated in the films Edward Scissorhands, Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Corpse Bride. Tim wanted to cast Johnny in his movie Mars Attacks! (in the role that eventually went to Michael J Fox).
• Frequently shows dead dogs, clowns, black and white checkered floors, twisted trees, jack-o'-lanterns, scarecrows, butterflies, and redheads in his films.
• Several films, such as Batman Returns, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride and Edward Scissorhands are set at Christmas or during winter and feature the giving of presents.
• His films frequently have dinner table scenes.
• His films often have gothic subtexts.
• Personalizes the production logo in the beginning of his films.
• Opening credits usually utilize a tracking shot. They also tend to go either on, through, or into something.
• His long standing collaboration with Danny Elfman, who scored all his films since Pee-wee's Big Adventure, except Ed Wood, which featured the noted composer Howard Shore. See also List of noted film producer and composer collaborations.
• He often uses an uplifting ending theme for his theatrical trailers by Danny Elfman that is not used in the films.
• His artwork and many of his films are notoriously influenced by the artist Edward Gorey and his pen and ink drawings.
• Often uses shadows for a scary, ominous effect.
• His main characters tend to be outsiders, and are usually shy, with a pale complexion and unruly black hair, similar to his own.

Filmography

As director

• Hansel and Gretel (1982) (TV work)
• Vincent (1982)
• Frankenweenie (1984)
• Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985)
• Faerie Tale Theatre - Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp (1986) (TV work)
• Alfred Hitchcock Presents - The Jar (1986) (TV work)
• Beetlejuice (1988)
• Batman (1989)
• Edward Scissorhands (1990)
• Batman Returns (1992)
• Ed Wood (1994)
• Mars Attacks! (1996)
• Sleepy Hollow (1999)
• Planet of the Apes (2001)
• Big Fish (2003)
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
• Corpse Bride (2005)
• Sweeney Todd (expected in late 2007)
• Believe It or Not (2009)

As producer

• Fox and the Hound (1981)
• Tron (1982)
• The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
• Cabin Boy (1994)
• Batman Forever (1995)
• James and the Giant Peach (1996)
• Corpse Bride (2005)
• 9 (2008)

Music videos

• Bones by The Killers (2006)

Trivia

• His film Beetlejuice prominently featured Harry Belafonte's hit "Banana Boat Song" which was co-written by Alan Arkin. Arkin plays Bill Boggs in Edward Scissorhands.
• Worked on The Muppet Movie (1979) as an Additional Muppet performer. He also performed a cameo in Singles (1992) from director Cameron Crowe and Hoffa which reunited him with Batman actors Danny DeVito (who directed) and Jack Nicholson, as a corpse.
• His fiancee, Helena Bonham Carter, was quoted as saying that the reason for his unique vision and style of directing was because she believed him to have Asperger Syndrome, a mild form of autism. She said that it helped to inspire his creative fuel, and was in no way a hindrance, but in fact was a great asset.
• Uncredited, but involved in the production of The Black Cauldron, The Fox and the Hound (as a Disney animator doing in-between work on the character Vixey), and Tron.
• In 2006, Burton was nominated for an Academy Award for the film Corpse Bride.
• The Boston-based magazine Phoenix gave Burton the title of "26th unsexiest male celebrity".[4]
• When he was a child growing up in Burbank, he staged an axe murder with his brother to scare the neighbors, prompting them to call the police. He repeated the prank again with similar results.
• His year of birth is sometimes mistakenly given as 1960, most notably in his own books, "The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy" and the picture book of "The Nightmare Before Christmas".
• Many costumes designs in his film feature pinstripes. Burton wears a pair of pinstripe socks as a lucky charm at every premiere and special occasion.
• Often rumored to have performed with the ska punk band the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Although there is a Tim Burton in the band, it is not the same Tim Burton.
• Both Tim Burton and Danny DeVito have directed film adaptations of Roald Dahl's books. DeVito directed and starred in the film Matilda and Tim Burton directed Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (He produced the movie James and the Giant Peach, which is also by Roald Dahl.). Coincidentally, DeVito starred both as the Penguin in Batman Returns and as Amos Calloway in Big Fish, directed by Tim Burton.
• He was inspired early on by Ray Harryhausen's stop-motion films.
• Acted as an Executive Producer on the unproduced show "Lost in Oz".
• Burton was originally slated to direct the 1986 remake of "The Fly".

References

• Maio, Kathi (May 1994) "Sick puppy auteur?" The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction 86(5): pp. 121-126;
• Hanke, Ken (1999) Tim Burton: an unauthorized biography of the filmmaker Renaissance Books, Los Angeles, ISBN 1-58063-046-4 ;
• Merschmann, Helmut (2000) Tim Burton: The Life and Films of a Visionary Director (translated by Michael Kane) Titan Books, London, ISBN 1-84023-208-0 ;
• Woods, Paul A, (2002) Tim Burton : a child's garden of nightmares Plexus, London, ISBN 0-85965-310-2 ;
• Smith, Jim and Matthews, J. Clive (2002) Tim Burton Virgin, London, ISBN 0-7535-0682-3 ;
• Burton, Tim and Fraga, Kristian (2005) Tim Burton : interviews University Press of Mississippi, Jackson, MS, ISBN 1-57806-758-8 ;
• McMahan, Alison (2005) The films of Tim Burton: animating live action in contemporary Hollywood Continuum, New York, ISBN 0-8264-1566-0 ;
• Lynette, Rachel (2006) Tim Burton, filmmaker KidHaven Press, San Diego, CA, ISBN 0-7377-3556-2 ;
• Page, Edwin (2006) Gothic fantasy: the films of Tim Burton Marion Boyars Publishers, London, ISBN 0-7145-3132-4 ;

External links

• The Tim Burton on-line
• Tim Burton Bibliography (via UC Berkeley)
• The Tim Burton Collective
• Tim-Burton.net (french) Very complete french website
• Tim Burton at IMDb
• Senses of Cinema: Great Directors Critical Database
• Netribution interview
• "Tim Burton, King Of Creep" Video interview with Tim Burton on MTV.com
• KCRW's The Treatment:Tim Burton (02/06)
• KCRW's The Treatment:Tim Burton (05/04)
• KCRW's The Treatment:Tim Burton (12/03)