Film Class

Justin Frye

27 September 2015

Survey of Film Midterm Project

Tim Burton is known for creating movies which exhibit a copious amount of cinematic elements. Two films which possess such elements are Edward Scissorhands and Corpse Bride. Edward Scissorhands tells the story of man who has scissors for hands, and after living in isolation is brought into society. Corpse Bride tells the story of man who when he decides to practice his wedding vows in the woods, a young deceased woman rises from the dead supposing that she has married the young groom. Both films are able to completely capture the viewer, doing so through the use precise cinematic elements. Tim Burton successfully executes certain techniques in both films which prove their rich cinematic quality.

The scene I chose to review from Edward Scissorhands is when Kim is entering her bedroom and becomes frightened when she notices Edward is laying in her bed. Tim Burton is able to exhibit more than one cinematic element in this specific scene. The use of low angle camera shots is used in this scene to portray Edward as being scared and frightened when he notices Kim entering her bedroom. The camera movement which shoes Kim noticing Edward in her bed through the reflection on the mirror allows for the viewers to capture both Kim and Edwards sense of surprise as well as terror. Lighting is also incorporated in this scene. The use of dark lightening in regards to Edward while he is laying in Kim’s bed strives to portray Edwards appearance as dark and scary. The use of dark lightening allows the viewer to focus on Edwards pale features and overall bizarre appearance. Also, with regards to Edwards appearance, is the successful use of makeup by Tim Burton. The viewers are able to portray Edwards character as scary and unique through his pale skin and bizarre physical features. These features are easily noticed through the cameras focus on Edward as he raises his scissor like hands to his face in...