EDWARD SCISSORHANDS by Tim Burton

This film was not what I was expecting. It’s one that has been highly rated by others, people have talked about it for many years, not just because it was one of Johnny Depp’s earlier films. It is one of the films that has helped to make him the very bankable star he is today.

It starts with an old lady telling a story of an invention who is in many ways like a real man. This invention is called Edward, he is alive like a real person but he is an incomplete invention with scissors for hands. He also has the innocence and naivety of someone who hasn’t grown up in the real world. A lady goes to the disused castle where he lives and she ends up adopting him into her family and neighbourhood. But can a man with child-like innocence with blades for hands survive in the real world?

The story was filmed like a fairytale, with vivid colours and strange scenery. The houses were in pastels and the characters were a little bit odd. The suburban feel of the neighbourhood was mixed with odd outfits, even odder haircuts but yet some typical teenage behaviour. It was an interesting mixture of different worlds and this reflected the different worlds of Edward Scissorhands and that of the family that take him in.

There were moments of laughter, sadness, joy, anxiety. These mixed with elements of romance, drama and suspense (well for me anyway). It was also very dark.

So that’s the film fan thoughts. But what did I really think of the film?

Well, it was incredible. I was really surprised by how much I liked it. Quirky films aren’t always my thing. Films by Tim Burton are usually just too weird for me. But this was lovely, it showed ideas about being kind-hearted, about not judging others about how awful the world around us can be.

It also displayed some fine acting by Johnny Depp. It is easy to see how be has become the brilliant actor and bankable star he is now.

So, what do I think about this film? It’s fantastic, it’s emotional, it’s a bizarre but awesome and a little bit complex.

I rate it five out of five.
See it but don’t expect it to be just a simple film that won’t make you think. It has fluffiness but it also has depth.