10 'Alternative' Christmas Films That Still Employ Classic Festive Themes

By Baz Greenland /

7. The Not-So-True Meaning of Community: Edward Scissorhands

An innovative twist of Frankenstein's monster meets Pinocchio, this is one of Tim Burton's best gothic masterpieces and also the first feature to feature the dark dream team of Burton and Johnny Depp. A young man Edward, invented with scissors for hands, is introduced to suburbia by chirpy, blond Avon saleswoman Peg Boggs. Living with Peg and her family, Edward Scissorhands learns what it means to be part of something bigger and that in itself is a very sweet tale for Christmas. Unfortunately the same can't be said for the rest of the community. What starts off as something new and special (Edward's rather handy hair dressing, hedge cutting and ice sculpturing skills) turns to fear and mania as everyone rejects Edward and Peg's family because he is 'different'. And for not the first time in the films listed in this article, it becomes a tale of tragic love; this time between Edward and Winona Ryder's Kim. Mix in the in the amazing ice sculptures that adorn this little snowy town and we have a magical alternative to the Christmas 'classics' but one that still captures the wonder of the festive period.