Gothic Fantasy

The Films of Tim Burton

By (author) Edwin Page

Book cover: Gothic Fantasy

Extent: 304 pages

Publisher: Marion Boyars Publishers

Subjects: Music & Performing Arts

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(January 2006)

ISBN: 9780714531328

5.12 x 7.83 inches

Price: $17.95

On back order

Tim Burton’s films are often like fairytales, communicating on a symbolic level, speaking of things far deeper in the conscious and subconscious minds than most films would dare to delve. This book takes us on a journey through the films of Tim Burton, discussing such films as “Beetlejuice”, “Sleepy Hollow”, “Batman”, and “The Corpse Bride”.


‘I’m for anything that subverts what the studio thinks you have to do’ – Tim Burton After being immersed in the work of Tim Burton for a while things can get a little strange. You see movement in the shadows and when you turn to look there’s nothing there. Life feels slightly unreal. There’s a sense of the mysterious hanging in the air like the fog in Sleepy Hollow. You see things in a different light. When watching the stylised movies which have made Tim Burton a household name it is easy to see why they can have such an effect. They are often like fairytales, communicating to us on a symbolic level, speaking of things far deeper within our conscious and subconscious minds than most films would dare to delve. Issues of alienation, insanity, and a wish for acceptance are among those raised in often expressionist and gothic surroundings. Edwin Page takes us on a journey through the films of Tim Burton, through which we gain insights into the mysterious, and somewhat reclusive film director responsible for them. Films discussed include Beetlejuice, Sleepy Hollow, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Batman and The Corpse Bride.

Introduction 7

1. Tim Burton: The Man Behind the Movies 9

2. A Life in Film 19

3. Beetlejuice 40

4. Batman 59

5. Edward Scissorhands 78

6. Batman Returns 95

7. The Nightmare Before Christmas 112

8. Ed Wood 128

9. Mars Attacks! 143

10. Sleepy Hollow 159

11. Planet of the Apes 177

12. Big Fish 195

13. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 210

14. Corpse Bride 227

15. The Fairytale Goes On... 242

Appendix One: Tim Burton, Main Credits 248

Appendix Two: Films, Main Cast and Crew 251

Appendix Three: List of Illustrations 284

 
 
  • By (author) Edwin Page

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