Edward Scissorhands Analysis Essay

Superior Essays
Tim Burton’s beautifully haunting production of ‘Edward Scissorhands’ introduces our protagonist, represented by Johnny Depp, and explores the fictional story of this solitary boy with an unfortunate seemingly threatening oddity, being thrust into a world where he is glaringly blatant in the midst of the suburbs. Despite his intimidating exterior, it is almost immediately exposed that Edward is just an innocent, childlike soul, intent on serving others. The purpose of this film was to delve into the threatening manner of suburbia and its dismissive views on originality. Burton shattered cliches and stereotypes of who ‘monsters’ are by introducing the monster in the form of townspeople. As Tim Burton’s individual ordeals are translated into …show more content…
Deciding to try her luck at the lonesome gothic mansion, she stumbles upon Edward. Taking pity on the physically and emotionally scarred boy, she welcomes him into her home. And not long after, the numerous gossip-hungry housewive 's interests are piqued on Edward, the intriguing stranger. At first, Edward is greeted as a celebrity, being placed on a pedestal for his deformity and the extra set of skills he possesses. However, Edward’s relatively warm welcome soon turns awry and he is shunned from all of his previous so-called friends, reverting back to being on his lonesome. In the consequential instances that follow, Edward remains an Outsider. He is always regarded as different in both instances, whether he was being admired or despised for …show more content…
Especially towards the end as the story takes an unfortunate turn, scenes of anger, violence and death begin to surface. There are graphic moments of skin being sliced and bloody results. When Edward shows his anger for the first time, it is a chilling scene as the camera dollies forward at a long shot, following Edward stalking down the hallway. The diegetic scraping sounds pierce the air as he extends his scissorhands against the walls and the mirror.

The film ‘Edward Scissorhands’ did considerably well in establishing the Outsider concept. There is not much at all to be dissatisfied with relating to this film. Burton displayed Edward as an accurate Outsider, showing his loneliness and others non acceptance towards him.

This motion picture is truly poetic with it’s numerous underlying themes and a wonderfully woven storyline. It’s surely an enjoyable film suitable for those interested in a blend of horror and fairy tale genres and a humourous portrayal of society and its attitudes towards Outsiders.

Rating:

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