Pilie- Planet of the Apes

Tim Burton's Planet of the Apes is a fantastic rendition of the original 1968 version. From the very beginning, we see that this movie is based on many far-fetched ideas that create a great foundation for different dualities in society. One of these dualities is the contrast of civil liberties vs. slavery. The opening scenes of the movie indicate a futuristic society. Apes are used for scientific purposes by the humans on a space station. The humans are clearly the dominant species and the apes are controlled by them. Mark Wahlberg's character has a special relationship with his ape. Even though the ape is used for scientific purposes, he shares a much more intimate relationship with it. As we see in in the beginning of the film, Mark Wahlberg goes out of his way to save his ape which ends up opening up a whole new world for him. He immediately goes from a society where he is part of the dominate species to a completely opposite society, where apes are the ones in control. Within the first few moments of Mark Wahlberg crashing in this unknown place, he is forced into slavery controlled by apes. This is a very interesting point, in that we can control another species, but another species cannot control us. Now, according to moral beliefs, we should not take part in any type of slavery or controlling of others. But there seems to be a difference, as well as similarities, in how the humans control the apes and how the apes control the humans. On a broad spectrum, the humans don't seem to be too concerned with the treatment if of the apes, and vice versa with the apes towards humans. On the other hand, there is always one or two of each kind that stand out and show a sense of compassion for the other species. In the human's case it is Mark Wahlberg's character. For the apes, it is Ari, Helena Bonham-Carter's character. Mark Wahlberg is interested in the best interest for his ape. When he feels his ape is being forced into an unsafe situation, he put his own life at risk in order to help. When Ari sensed something special about Mark Wahlberg, she put herself on the line to make a difference. All of these components in this film make for a great case of civil liberties vs. slavery.

Pilie- Sleepy Hollow

Tim Burton's film The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a great rendition of Washington Irving's short story. This movie is derived from the story of the "Headless Horseman" who is a ghost who haunts the eastern shores of the Hudson. He was apparently a Hessian soldier who had his head taken off by a cannonball in a battle during the Revolutionary War. He is said to be seen riding his horse late at night in search of his lost head. The horseman rides very quickly to ensure he is back before sunrise. Burton makes some changes in his film, compared to the original version by Washington Irving. One case is that of the main character, Ichabod Crane, who in the original story was a school teacher. He is described as very tall and skinny with long hands and legs. This fits well with his last name, Crane, which is a type of bird that is very lanky and tall. But, in Tim Burton's film, Johnny Depp plays Ichabod Crane who is hired to investigate the murders of people in a certain town by the name of Sleepy Hollow. Somebody or something has been cutting off heads of various people in the town. What is intriguing though, is the fact that all of the heads to the decapitated bodies are missing. Burton wanted to add more to this story. Because of Ichabod Crane's previous endeavors in the movie, he is the perfect candidate to this chilling adventure he must pursue. His unorthodox methods help him be able to uncover the many mysteries associated with the murders in Tarry Town. At first, he is under the impression that this will be a fairly simple case and doesn't really understand why all the people haven't been able to solve these murders. Later, Ichabod finds out that the murderer is a ghost, as opposed to a human of flesh and blood. This opens up a whole new spectrum of possibilities that could happen. This is why he was chosen to investigate the murders, because of his various techniques he is able to solve problems that are not normally presented to the normal person. Burton puts aspects of himself in Ichabod Crane, as he is misunderstood by most people and also somewhat reserved and quiet. This film incorporates many aspects of Washington Irving's story, but adds many other factors that make this an extremely unique rendition of a previous work of art.

Pilie- Mars Attacks

Tim Burton's film Mars Attacks is a very far-fetched idea of what a possible alien invasion would be like. The movie itself is based off of the original trading cards from the 60's. The cards portraied a ridiculous scenario of Martians attacking the earth. These cards included things such as ray guns, frost guns, buildings crashing, and flame throwers. Many of these were used in the film itself. This film is very satirical because it is poking fun at other major films as well as Americans themselves and the society we live in. Fore example, when the US ambassador meets with the Martian ambassador for the first time, the Americans are so easily fooled into thinking the Martians actually come in peace. Foolishly, enormous crowds gathered to watch the aliens land, because they were so intrigued by them. They soon come to find out that the situation wasn't going to go exactly as they planned. This shows how gullible people can be, especially when somebody of power tells them something they want to hear. This film satirizes other movies such as Independence Day, when the US military fights off the aliens in this epic battle scene. Americans want to believe that is how an alien invasion would occur, not taking into account how much more advanced they could be. Another way this film satires American culture is how out of touch people are with what is actually going on in the world around them. For example, when the dog's head and body are switched with the two people's bodies. Even though the alines switched up their bodies, they are still only focused on themselves and their own self interests. Another scene in which Tim Burton makes fun of the government and society is when the president is discussing what action to take against the Martians. The first person the president asks is the press secretary. This shows that he is mostly concerned with his own self-interests and making himself appear more appealing. The president asks the different people in the same order as how interested he is in their opinion. The next person he asks is the war general, who's only answer is to attack. The president ends up going with his first choice, which only accomplished making him more popular. The president in Mars Attacks is different than the president in Independence Day. The president in Mars Attacks is very greedy and just wants popularity. He chooses to not make the right decision, in an effort to please the people. On the other hand, the president in Independence Day is out to make the right decisions, even if it isn't exactly what the people wanted.

Pilie- Ed Wood

Tim Burton’s film Ed Wood is considered to be one of his worst movies to date. It is a very intriguing topic of a movie, in that a director made a movie about another director and his movies. Ed Wood’s movies were considered very bad, mostly because of the lack of budget and major film studios. Also, bad actors did not help his case in making a great movie. Ed Wood is considered to be “the world’s worst film director” and also won an award for that infamous achievement. Ed Wood created his movies from his own passion and imagination. Despite his lack of budget and experienced actors, his movies had a sense of beauty that can only be seen with a better understanding of the director. 

In Burton’s movie Ed Wood, Wood meets his idol and hero Bela Lugosi in a coffin store. He is a bit star struck at first at the sight of the actor he ad so much respect for, but Bela Lugosi didn’t want to be bothered. Ed Wood, who is played by Johnny Depp, becomes upset because of the fact that Bela Lugosi is done making movies and acting. 

Tim Burton was very interested in Ed Wood in his movies. He understood Wood and what he was trying to accomplish with his movies. Tim Burton shared the same interests and secrets as Ed. They were both extremely into the dark element of movies and horror films. Tim Burton, being a director, wanted to make a movie about directing movies. Like most directors, he is fascinated by his own life and didn’t understand how the audience would actually react to this movie. It is a different type of movie than Tim Burton normally directs. Yes, it has the dark side that most of his movies have, but it’s a movie about movies. One fact that people don’t recognize as much is that Johnny Depp plays an awesome role of an amateur actor. For example, his eagerness when meeting his idol who shares the same type of interest as him or when Sarah Jessica Parker opens the door and sees him as a cross-dresser. This also brings up the haunting acts of Ed Wood’s childhood. His mother would dress him as a woman because she wanted a daughter. He says this is what calm him down. This is a secret he kept with him his whole life. Tim Burton also has haunting childhood stories that affected his adulthood. 

Pilie- Edward Scissorhands

Like many other fairytales, this movie starts out telling a story. Winona Ryder is telling the story of Edward Scissorhands to her granddaughter. Unlike most fairytales though, this one has a bit of a dark side. This opening scene is what opens up the rest of the movie. Early in the movie, we find out how this neighborhood really is. All the neighbors of this town put on a fake "perfect" look. They want to be something that they're not. Their own issues and imperfections get in the way of this gossip-filled utopia that they have built for themselves. They don't want to accept that there is somebody who isn't just like them. Whenever Edward upsets them in any way, they want to get rid of him completely, like when they chased him into his house. The neighbors of the town never take the time to understand and appreciate how complex of an individual Edward really is. They see him as different and are intrigued, but when they can't get what they want, he must be banished. On the other hand, the love aspect in this film is a major aspect. Edward immediately falls for Winona Ryder. He wants her so bad, but he learns that she has a boyfriend. Throughout the movie, Edward has to deal with the pain of Winona having a boyfriend and the fact that he treats her badly. This conflict ends up turning violent when her boyfriend attacks Edward. Edward was set up to break into the boyfriend's house in an effort to try to get rid of Edward. At first, this didn't work, because Edward came right back home due to the fact that he was declared not normal. But, in the end it comes back to haunt Winona's boyfriend. When the mob chases Edward into the house on top of the hill, another conflict appears between the boyfriend and Edward. This ends tragic for the both of them. The boyfriend falls out of the window and is killed, while Edward and Winona are left upstairs in the house. She wants to kiss Edward, but he cannot do it. This ends up haunting Winona for the rest of her life, but at the same time is somewhat comforting to her. She fell for Edward, but couldn't have him. Even though this is the case, she is content with the fact that Edward is still alive and around, because she knows the world really is a better place with him.

Pilie- Catwoman

In Tim Burton's Batman Returns, Catwoman is a very complex, unique character. She acts two completely different ways towards the same person. Like Vicki Vale, she is very interested in Bruce Wayne. On the other hand, she is very destructive towards Batman. She is a vigilante and out to get Batman. Vicki Vale is just a reporter that falls for Bruce Wayne, but is very interested in Batman. Catwoman is very intrigued by Batman, but doesn't want to feel dominated by a male figure. At one point, she tries to kill Batman, but he ends up saving her. Catwoman and Batman actually compliment each other very well. They are both dark and have a criminal aspect to them, but Batman relies on a more positive approach, as Catwoman is more negative. It's almost as if they are perfect for each other, both dark and fighting for something, but total opposites. Since she is attracted to Batman, it would make total sense for her to be attracted to Bruce Wayne. She like Bruce Wayne and is very affectionate towards him. In a sense it is almost like a love-hate relationship. She wants to get rid of one half of him, but keep the other. She doesn't want the part of him that gets in the way of Catwoman. Batman is still attracted to her, even when they are Batman and Catwoman. He doesn't want to hurt her when they are fighting. She hits him multiple times, but he only strikes back once. When he does hit her, she is astonished saying how dare he hit a woman.  Finally when Batman had enough Catwoman dresses in a very seductive costume, attracting the attention of Batman. In some cases she blatantly tries to seduce him, like when she licks his face. Whenever they aren’t their alter-egos everything is so much simpler. They are just two people who are attracted to each other. But, their alter-ego’s lives start to interfere with that. For example when they both are called to go deal with the Penguin. She is a very feminist character. She almost has something against males. She doesn’t trust them, mainly because of Max Schreck. She wants to give Bruce Wayne her everything, but because of her past she can’t. This is similar to Batman because of how his background has affected how he treats others and deals with situations. 

Pilie-Film Noir

Film Noir is a major theme of Tim Burton's movies. It is a feeling of dark, yet beautiful scenery that includes sharp angles and a feeling of isolation. The light work in certain scenes gives you a feel of the mood. The lighting in film noir is usually dim and dark, giving a sense of eeriness. The setting of modern cities is used because of all the problems and sin that occurs in most cities. Also, everything in most populated cities is very dark or gray. All these styles give a feeling of claustrophobia to the theme of the movies. Tim Burton's films are full of all these little things, that make an overall dark feel for his movies. In Batman, it takes place during the winter which gives it a cold, dark feeling, as opposed to a warmer brighter feel. This adds to film noir in that it gives off a depressing feeling.
The way Tim Burton portrays the Joker fits perfectly into film noir. He is a very cynical character that is truly dark on the inside, but puts on a mask for the outside world. This is also like the lighting of film noir. It goes from very dark to very bright. The way the cameras are focused and angled gives the picture a sense of distortion. That can also apply to the joker. When he puts on the makeup he gives off a brighter look, when it is really just a mask. He is truly dark and evil on the inside, but you have to truly know him to get that. Bruce Wayne's mansion has an almost Gothic style architecture which gives it a very dark and eerie feel. Another scene that used film noir is when the surgeon is doing plastic surgery on the joker. When the joker sees what the surgeon has done to his face after Batman dropped him into the tub of toxic waste, his reaction is a bit psychotic. He is psychotically laughing at his own face. I think this is partially because he can't believe what he sees and also because he has become so evil and almost likes it. This scene gives off a very film noir type of feel. It is twisted and dark which is exactly how the joker is.
Another characteristic of film noir is the sense of everything is not as it is seemed. To most people of Gotham at first, Batman is perceived as an evil criminal, but really he is a hero. He helps prevent crime. Now while he is a very good person, he has a very dark background. As a child he witnessed his parents get killed. This haunts him for the rest of his life. It is why he fights crime. He wants revenge against the joker, but at the same time is a good person and will not kill the joker.

Pilie-Beetle Juice Blog

In Tim Burton's movie, BeetleJuice, death is the main focus of the movie. Since it is in American culture, it is not very well accepted. Other cultures of the world celebrate death, unlike Americans. It is deeply rooted into their traditions and way of life. To them, death should be celebrated. In other religions, there is something to look forward to after death. On the other hand, Americans tend to not look at it so much like that mainly because, in American culture, we are more focused on the fact that the person is not in our presence anymore and, even if we believe in an afterlife, there is always some uncertainty. Americans are generally more focused on "the now" as opposed to other cultures around the world. Also, most other cultures dive deeper into their heritage and beliefs, which can be the reason for a cause of celebration in death. They believe their loved one is now in a better place and they should be happy. At the same time, yes, most Americans believe that when somebody dies, they will go on to a better place, but since we are focused more on what is happening today and our feelings at the moment, we are not as focused on that person moving onto a better life.
In the movie, people don't look for the strange and abnormal things in life, just like reality. In one scene, the ghosts try to scare the people in the house into leaving, but they soon find out that they will not leave. After the family in the house does accept the fact that there is ghosts in there, they just try to sell them. They can't appreciate and respect the dead. They use them against there will in order to make money. The daughter only sees them at first because she looks for the weird and unusual in everyday life, as most people should. Another scene in the movie where death is not accepted is when the parents deny the thought of ghosts in the house. The girl is the only one who can see them and she is fascinated by them. The ghosts are friendly to her because she is friendly to them, unlike her parents. To them, especially her father, it is just a marketing scheme. We should learn to appreciate death and not deny it. Life is much more enjoyable, if death is not denied.