If I had to make a list of directors I think have had the greatest impact on modern cinema and have completely revolutionized the artistic style and imagination of a whole generation, Tim Burton would be near the very top. His iconic storytelling methods have become as recognizable as a signature, giving us more macabre laughs, night terrors and great memories than many other directors twice his age.
But at the same time, if I had to make a list of which directors could replace M. Night Shyamalan in terms of peaking too soon, I think Tim Burton would sit very comfortably at the number one spot. While he’s by no means a bad director, it still has to be said that he’s not turning out classic after classic as he once did, and those same ‘storytelling methods’ have just become laughable cliches that never seem to go away.
At a recent viewing of Dark Shadows, my brother and I developed a running joke throughout that grew into what we like to call “The Tim Burton Drinking Game,” in which we turn these laughable stereotypes into entertainment (just a quick heads up: don’t actually play this game when you’re watching Dark Shadows or you’ll die within five minute).
Now before you all accuse me of making Tim Burton into the butt of a joke, we’re here to laugh with him, not at him. I still love him and his movies, and always have done. Maybe I like him because I’m sick in the head, or maybe I’m sick in the head because I’ve liked him for so long, but for whatever reason, he’s one of my heroes. Which of course means I have to point out how flawed he is at every chance I get (don’t act like that doesn’t make sense). So let’s take a look at the man’s most frequent cliches… and take a drink every time you see one!
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9 Comments
In my eye’s he’s the best thing to happen to cinema since… cinema :D I do think it’s annoying he’s not so orginial but there’s a difference between being unorgininal and taking someone’s idea and doing it your way. In Burton’s case he often does a much better job. Apart from Charlie and the Chocolate factory.
I think this article is spot on for pointing out the flaws of an otherwise great director, but I would have to say the original Chocolate Factory was far creepier in places. The dude with the knife trolley, the appearances of ‘Slugworth’ and that sinister boat ride with the chicken decapitation. Burton’s overall tone may have been creepier, but I know which one is more nightmare-inducing.
I didn’t know nightmare before Christmas was a Tim burton movie? Thought he only produced it. Also corpse bridge wasn’t original. Based on a story hundreds of years old. Please get your facts straight before writing an article.
It’s a good thing you didn’t write the article. Take an English class, Buddy!
Also, Tim Burton didn’t direct ‘The Nightmare before Christmas’ but he was the writer.
You’re welcome!
I agree with most of these except for #7 reusing actors is not a bad thing, I can think of many great directors have reused actors to great effect.
I’m not a Burton fan. It’s a superficial thing with me, I just don’t like the aesthetic or Johhny Depp! I do like this list though: Over-Burtonization – love it.
Tim Burton is overrated. Very. He’s basically become a victim of his own creations. I have an issue with style over substance and that’s the opitome of what he is. Too much Burton, not enough focus on character development and basic quality of story. I didn’t care about Alice, Barnabus and his entire crew were a bunch of retards I felt no emotional connection with. In my opinion, the most enjoyable movie of his since Batman Returns, was Sleepy Hollow.
Just started the drinking game with ‘Dark Shadows’
On number 5, you neglected to point out that Frankenweenie itself is a pretty obvious homage to Frankenstein, and so was the more subtle Edward Scissorhands. Also, Big Fish was a based on a book.