The Bizarre Burton

When Disney announced the release of their newest live-action remake, “Dumbo,” I was thrilled that a whole new generation would experience the wonder and curiosity I felt when Dumbo flapped his oversized ears and flew. But when I found out it was directed by Tim Burton, I was scared he would add his twist of horror.

Tim Burton, a former Disney animator and current director, is known for his terrifying fantasy horror-themed films — I mean, have you ever seen the ragged ghost of Beetlejuice? But on the contrary, Burton explains, “I’ve never made a scary movie.”

After hearing my friends rave of Burton’s films, I decided to take another look with a fresh perspective. I found an appreciation for his unique mind and bravery to create odd films that didn’t quite appeal to me when I was younger, and now having matured, it was worth it to take another look at his infamous films, “Corpse Bride,” “Edward Scissorhands” and “Beetlejuice.”

My first experience with Burton films was when I saw my dad watching “Edward Scissorhands” in the living room and it only took one look at those creepy claws and I was bolting back to my bedroom to get as far from the TV as possible. But now returning to his films, I knew I had jumped too quickly to a conclusion.

I expected Burton’s trend of horror to continue after reading the not-meant-for-children reviews of “Corpse Bride.” But instead, I was met with a clever scene designed to fit the special take on the afterlife, unique puppets for the stop motion animation and a musical storyline.

Watching the film, I found myself connecting with Emily, the corpse bride, with similar music interests. I’ll never fully understand how Burton made a corpse likable. Just as he did with Edward Scissorhands.

“Edward Scissorhands” had the biggest impact on me. This film showed that no matter what differences or insecurities you have, you deserve to be accepted and it’s never too late to discover who you are as a person. He showed Edward as a bizarre outcast who clearly didn’t visually fit in, but people grew to appreciate him and his unique skills.

In a way, I’m glad I didn’t watch it when I was younger because I don’t think I would have grasped how special it was that Burton glorified weirdos and outcasts like Edward. Burton showed encouragement toward diversity in personalities, a good reminder for me and every other high schooler to hear once in a while.

In the obscure film “Edward Scissorhands,” Burton showed it’s okay to showcase even your most bizarre qualities, and no matter if you are as different from the person next to you as yin and yang, we all deserve to be as happy as Edward when he found his passion for cutting hair.

The characters Burton creates allow you to make a connection through similarities, possibly to a skeleton or a ghost. Maybe you’ve felt out of place with a special talent or feature so you feel drawn to the man with scissors for hands. That’s what makes the movie-watching experience of Burton so incredible. Even when the movie’s ended, you’ll remember those lessons and connections.

Whenever my confidence levels are low, I’ll think of Edward’s bravery and perseverance. Or when I’m worried or anxious, I’ll think of Beetlejuice’s ability to be unapologetically his goofy and outgoing self.

The one movie my dad actually got me to watch when I was younger (a few years after the scissorhand incident) was “Beetlejuice.” I still remember pouting because I was a sassy 10 year-old trying to hide my fear. But when the movie ended, it gave me the realization that I had only seen these movies once when I was little and didn’t give them a second watch for a chance at redemption. While being incredibly entertaining, Beetlejuice helps teach and explain the balance between life and death, while also offering curiosity about the afterlife.

My preconceived ideas of Burton kept me from discovering my favorite movie, “Edward Scissorhands” and favorite director five years too late. In his films, Burton is able to demonstrate and negotiate similar themes of life, death and love without putting the messages right in front of you to see.

He expresses these morals of accepting everyone, accompanied by being yourself, while not showcasing these messages right at the surface for the viewer to see. What makes Burton such a miraculous director is that he challenges you to find your own lessons and virtues you maybe didn’t know you were looking for or expecting to find.