Ed Wood

Burton in an artistic position is somewhat unusual - stripped of color, completely immersed in visions of someone other than himself... is it really someone different? One cannot ignore the sympathy and empathy with which Tim delves into the world of the worst filmmaker of all time, with which he absorbs his imagery and transforms them into his brilliant and refined style. It is as if Wood’s chaos has become a complete film form, which lacks all the amateurism of the "master’s" messes, but it also does not lack special enthusiasm and deep interest. A dream is what Burton’s Ed Wood is all about, and it is this stubbornness, the surrender of one's own vision, no matter how bizarre, that is Wood's biggest contribution to the Dream Factory in this film. Depp enjoys playing the eccentric fool, he brings his innate exhibitionism into the womanish mannerisms, and into Wood's manic animation his ability to charge the character with naturalness and enthusiasm. However, he clearly stands in the shadow of Martin Landau, whose Lugosi is enchanting, charismatic, full of magic and human vulnerability. And it is the Wood-Lugosi relationship that ultimately creates a line that overwhelms everyone else. We will not find this sort of image of mental harmony in any other Burton film. Although Ed Wood is a little outside of the master's filmography, it is definitely one of his most distinctive works. (10/15/2007)

Ed Wood is not perfect, as it slightly runs out of steam in the final quarter. Even so, the feelings that every memory of it evokes in me, spurred mainly by listening to the endearing soundtrack, represent the ignition of the greatest spark of movie-fan enthusiasm. What Schindler’s List is for Spielberg, Ed Wood is for Tim Burton. And for me – a fan of even very bad films – it is a beautiful tribute to the art of filmmaking. Burton serves up a roller-coaster ride with every character, every facial expression of Johnny Depp, every charming and comical scene. It’s a treasure! (06/04/2005)

Burton doesn’t make fun of Ed Wood at all. The picture is stuffed full of amazing acting performances. No, I’m not going to praise Depp to the heavens, even though his acting is divine, but there are other equally wonderful performances here. Mainly, Landau simply IS Lugosi. Burton’s Ed Wood is both funny and dramatic and emotionally charged. So what if things are a little too idealized. (03/20/2005)

Probably the most maturely conceived Burton, yet easily recognizable. However, this time he did not let his morbid imagination play, but was inspired by a real story, perhaps a too determined director with a slightly different view of the world. His portrayal by Johnny Depp probably doesn't need any comment. And when the phenomenal Martin Landau or the cute part of Bill Murray is added, there is no defense. Tim's opus magnum. Filmmaking is not about small details. It's about the size of the film. (03/23/2006)

I've only had the "pleasure" of seeing one of Ed's films, Plan 9 from Outer Space. Yes, it was terrible, but Tim Burton decided to show us that things were different. He devoted two hours of film time to a colleague who remained only misunderstood. The incredible enthusiasm he had for his films was infectious, and this work oozes it in every frame. In my opinion, this is Johnny Depp's best career performance, where a genuine smile towards the producer is enough to win over the audience entirely, bringing almost childishly uncontained joy in every scene from his own work. When the legendary interview with Orson Welles takes place, one of the most mesmerizing, touching, and beautiful endings in the cinematic heaven begins to unfold. Hats off to Tim, hats off to Johnny, and rest in peace, Ed. (10/21/2005)