Production Year: 1991 - Comedy - Director: Tim Burton - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall, Kathy Baker, Vincent Price, Alan Arkin, Bryan Larkin, O-Lan Jones more
In Tim Burton's EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, a suburban fairy tale with incredibly imaginative sets, an Avon lady, Peg Boggs (Dianne Wiest), discovers the half-finished experiment--a... more
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of a fable or fairy tale in a live-action movie. The story follows a young man named Edward (Johnny Depp), who was created by an inventor (Vincent Price, in one of...
of a fable or fairy tale in a live-action movie. The story follows a young man named Edward (Johnny Depp), who was created by an inventor (Vincent Price, in one of...
Edward Scissorhands DVD
An Avon lady discovers the half-made creation of a mad scientist living in the ... more
neighborhood's old abandoned castle. The scientist died leaving the shy boy with scissors for hands. When she attempts to bring him into suburbia his hands a metaphor for a...
Factory Ballet De Tuburbin Fee Dace Etiquette Lesson Edward The Barber Esmeralda Death! The Tide Turns The Final Confrontation Farewell The Grand Finale The End With These Hands
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of a fable or fairy tale in a live-action movie. The story follows a young man named Edward (Johnny Depp), who was created by an inventor (Vincent Price, in one of his last roles) who died before he could give the poor creature a pair of human hands. Edward lives alone in a ruined Gothic castle that just happens to be perched above a pastel-coloured suburb inhabited by breadwinning husbands and frustrated housewives straight out of the 1950s. One day, Peg (Dianne Wiest), the local Avon lady, comes calling. Finding Edward alone, she kindly invites him to come home with her, where she hopes to help him with his pasty complexion and those nasty nicks he's given himself with his razor-sharp fingers. Soon Edward's skill with topiary sculpture and hair design make him popular in the neighbourhood--but the mood turns just as swiftly against the outsider when he starts to feel his own desires, particularly for Peg's daughter Kim (Winona Ryder). Most of director Tim Burton's movies (such asPee Wee's Big Adventure,BeetlejuiceandBatman) are visual spectacles with elements of fantasy butEdward Scissorhandsis more tender and personal than the others. Edward's wild black hair is much like Burton's, suggesting that the character represents the director's own feelings of estrangement and co-option. Johnny Depp, making his first successful leap from TV to film, captures Edward's child-like vulnerability even while his physical posture evokes horror icons like the vampire inNosferatuand the sleepwalker inThe Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Classic horror films, at their heart, feel a deep sympathy for the monsters they portray; simply and affectingly,Edward Scissorhandslays that heart bare.--Bret FetzerOn the DVD: Tim Burton is famed for his visual style not his ability as a raconteur, so it's no surprise to find that his directorial commentary is a little sparse. When he does open up it is to confirm thatEdward Scissorhandsremains his most personal and deeply felt project. The second audio commentary is by composer and regular Burton collaborator Danny Elfman, whose enchanting, balletic score gets an isolated music track all to itself with his remarks in-between cues. Again, for Elfman this movie remains one of his most cherished works, and it is a real musical treat to hear the entire score uninterrupted by dialogue and sound effects but illuminated by Elfman's lucid interstitial remarks. Also on the disc are some brief interview clips, a "making of" featurette and a gallery of conceptual artwork. The anamorphic widescreen print looks simply gorgeous. --Mark Walker
Comedy - Director: John Howard-Davies, Bob Spiers - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring: Connie Booth, Andrew Sachs, Prunella Scales, John Cleese
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, David Schwimmer, Matt Le Blanc
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
A review by Morning_Becomes_Electra on Edward Scissorhands (DVD) May 1st, 2008
Author's product rating:
Did you enjoy it?
Loved it
Story
Outstanding
Characters / Performances
Outstanding
Special Effects
Unmemorable
How does it compare to similar films?
Not applicable
Advantages:
A magical film with a wonderful story .
Disadvantages:
None .
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
--EDWARD SCISSORHANDS--
Edward Scissorhands was released in 1991. Directed by Tim Burton. Starring Johnny Depp, Vincent Price, Dianne Wiest and Winona Rider. Genre:Comedy/Drama/Fantasy.- BBFC Rating: PG (cut) - Running Time: 1 Hour 43 Minutes. -
The tale starts with a grandmother recounting a story to her granddaughter of a strange man in a Gothic Castle who she was very much in love with. As the grandmother stares longingly out of the window, the film cuts to flashback...
Edward Scissorhands is a lonely recluse who lives in an eerie Gothic Castle way up on a hill. It is grim and in a dilapidated state, depressing and gloomy. Edward Scissorhands is a strange invention, born of an elderly inventor who died before he had a chance to complete him. Edward has no social skills due to his isolation; he is painfully shy and barely utters a word, save for small utterances. He is a gentle soul under a definite handicap. In place of hands he has a mass of varying size scissors. The inventor, (Vincent Price) had plans to give him hands to complete his creation. But instead Edward is left with heavy sharp shears and scissors which he wields erratically about in the air, especially when angry. He cuts a solitary figure in his black high necked leather suit and his long scruffy hair. The most defining features about Edward are his eerie white complexion, his stark black hair, doe like inquiring eyes and his small pursed lips. Which give a surprised and startled look. He also has small scars on his face due to the many accidents he has had with his scissors.
One day a very friendly Avon lady, Peg Boggs (Dianne Wiest) calls on Edward and after giving him a full beauty treatment she finds she cannot leave this strange reclusive person on his own in the dark and gloomy castle. Being full of compassion for his lonely plight she wants to take him home where she will care for him and slowly introduce him into society, where she hopes he will flourish and become a model citizen. She takes the bewildered Edward back down the hill to her home to live with her, much to the dismay of all her neighbours. Edwards cuts a sinister figure in suburbia as he walks into town in his Gothic attire and waving his alarming scissorhands. Everyone is intrigued and quite scared of him on first impression; he does seem quite an oddity. Once inside the house, the out of place Edward is filled with an unsettling feeling he has never experienced before, when he meets the Avon ladies daughter Kim, (Winona Rider). The strange and introverted Edward has just fallen in love for the very first time. Has the Avon lady taken on an impossible task? Or will the scissor wielding Edward learn to become a model American Citizen? What she doesn't know, is that the socially inept Edward possesses a remarkable skill and one that will win him the respect and admiration of all the disapproving neighbours.-
I love Edward Scissorhands. It is a truly enchanting modern fairytale. It's full of atmosphere and magic. The premise is a fantastic one, eccentric and offbeat. Tim Burton is one of my favourite directors and I love that all his central characters are always a little bit odd and they never quite seem to fit neatly into a society niche. The character of Edward is sad and solitary and my heart went out to him throughout the duration of the film. Johnny Depp plays the part masterfully with a perfect vulnerability and a child like innocence and an open eyed awe of everything new that he was presented with. Trying to eat peas with his scissorhands you see what an obstacle they are to him and though whilst a very funny thing to watch, you feel a great compassion for him. He has curiosity value to all around and they find him entertaining, drawing great amusement from his oddness. Poor Edward is on display and even more alienated than before. He is paraded round down and shown off to the townsfolk like a circus freak. Though all done with the best intentions, his new guardian is turning him into a bit off a celebrity, but for all the wrong reasons.
There is an underlying message in this tale that being different is never really going to work in the long term, and as the film evolves, it all comes back to what truly is acceptable in the norm, and you have an unshakeable feeling that this character will fall from grace before too long. I love the Gothic element in the film and one that Tim Burton is particularly fond of, and puts to good use within his films. Johnny Depp looked brilliant in his customized black leather suit which cut a stark contrast to his white face, giving him a surreal and spooky fairy tale quality. I love the scissors. What a fantastic touch there, and what an imaginative mind to come up with shears for hands. The story of Edward Scissorhands was inspired from an early picture that Tim Burton drew as a child.
Everything about the character of Edward Scissorhands was aesthetically perfect and beautiful to watch. The characterisation by Johnny Depp was superb, so in-depth that I believed him to be this strange isolated person. Johnny Depp is Tim Burton's favourite actor, and you can see why, and this film was the start of their long collaboration together. The man puts himself deep into a role and draws out the very essence at the core of the character. Depps facial expressions bring this character to life with his child like qualities and contrast of dark creation. Burton mixes tragedy with comedy expertly and the right balance is evident here. The setting of middle class American suburbia works extremely well with the Gothic fairy tale instruction. The film has a magical quality about it, an uplifting feel and with Johnny Depp at the helm he gives Edward Scissorhands a charm and accessibility. At the end of the day though this is no ordinary man and can a person who doesn't really belong in this new environment exist and function within it?
The skill which Burton gives Edward Scissorhands is another masterstroke and the scenes of topiary are absolutely brilliant, the waving speed of the scissors and cutting of the hedges is beautifully shot and incredible to watch. It is just so original. The whole film is an absolute masterpiece and I never tire of it. Beautifully directed by Tim Burton, Edward Scissorhands is a suburban Gothic fairytale of innocence and experience, of intolerance and loneliness. Should a fish be taken out of water? Or should it be left in its own environment? By taking Edward out of his comfort zone are they being cruel to be kind or vice versa? The film poses a lot of questions and they relate to the person who doesn't quite fit into society, who can't quite be put into a box, and ultimately the rescuer will become the destroyer because of ultimate nonacceptance of his difference. Burton's films are full of fantasy and fairytale quality, mixing tragedy with comedy; they are haunting, spooky, and stunning with a brilliant imagination behind them. Dianne Wiest is excellent as the caring Avon lady. Her character complimented Depps perfectly, and Winona Rider is competent as the love interest of Edward Scissorhands, giving the film a 'Beauty and the Beast' feel. All the cast worked well together to bring the film convincingly to life.
Burton was "Quirky, highly imaginative, and self absorbed" as a child and all these qualities spill over into his films today. Tim Burton's films are incredibly beautiful and surreal. The amazing 'Sleepy Hollow'. The great 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'. 'Nightmare Before Christmas' is a dreamy and delicious tale. Beetlejuice and his Batman films were devilishly dark. - Edward Scissorhands has an amazing atmospheric choral soundtrack, incredibly imaginative sets, stunning scenery and beautiful sharp and colourful cinematography. Edward Scissorhands must be the jewel in his crown. The film is a cult classic, outstanding in every way and brought to life the Iconic Gothic character of Edward Scissorhands. Heartbreaking and haunting, I recommended it 100% +.-
Directed by: Tim Burton
-Starring- Johnny Depp Winona Ryder Dianne Wiest Alan Arkin Robert Oliveri Vincent Price
Writers: Tim Burton Caroline Thompson Music by Danny Elfman Cinematography Stefan Czapsky
Advantages: The ultimate cult-classic Disadvantages: The story is too daft and far fetched for some people
Edward Scissorhands is the ultimate cult-classic DVD must-have. Released way back in 1990 the film looks a little dated, though for me this adds nostalgia and fondness to the whole film experience.
I first saw this film more than a decade ago and have watched it over and over again on my Special Edition DVD. As with all good films it has never lost its charm or magic and is still as appealing to me today as it ever was.
The film is directed by ... ...films you may agree that Edward Scissorhands has the same Tim Burton stamp on it as most of the other films he has directed. They have an unmistakable trademark, some of which the signs are...an atmosphere of slight uncertainty, an undercurrent of dark moodiness, unusual storylines, surreal & artistic imagery, an element of gothic romance, a dose of offbeat humour, an element of low-impact horror and a wonderfully unique use of colour/shapes/characters ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Great story-line, great film shots, Brill actors Disadvantages: Wish the film lasted longer!
Edward Scissorhands reminds me of when I was a child. I used to watch it every year at Christmas and it was one of my favourite films.
***ABOUT THE DIRECTOR****
Tim Burton is an Academy Award and Golden Globe nominated American film director, writer and designer notable for the quirky and often dark gothic atmosphere in his high profile films.
Burton is the director of two successful Batman films (Batman, Batman Returns) and has collaborated with ... ...Christmas.
The genesis of Edward ScissorHands came from a childhood drawing of director Tim Burton, which reflected his feelings of isolation and being unable to communicate with people around him such as family and friends. Burton stated that he was often alone, and had trouble retaining friendships.
***STORYLINE***
Edward Scissor Hands is a 1990 American Fantasy Film written by Tim Burton and Caroline Thompson, and directed by Burton. The film ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: One minute hilarious, the next heartbreaking Disadvantages: I genuinely can't think of any
...let him off. However, Edward Scissorhands must be his finest moment. I must admit I've only just got round to watching it, despite the fact it was made 16 years ago - it was definitely worth the wait.
Johnny Depp looks about twelve playing the Edward in question; a monster created by a mad professor (Vincent Price) in a spooky castle at the top of a hill. Sadly, the professor died just before he fitted Edward with his human hands, leaving him with ... ...name listed under Director. Edward Scissorhands is in fact overwhelmingly bright - in its fantastic sets, its kooky plot, and its frequent hilarious moments. Secondly; despite its humour, this is quite possibly the most heartbreaking film ever listed on Ciao under the "comedy" category. Let's get it straight though - sad does not necessarily mean dark.
Saying that; Edward himself is an iconic gothic masterpiece. His initial outfit looks as if he's ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Good plot, and some excellent visuals Disadvantages: Some of the acting
...guest. As it happens, Edward is a creation of the elderly inventor who owned the mansion on the hill, and before he had a chance to give Edward prosthetic hands, he died. But Edward's flare for inventive haircuts and gardening make him the perfect houseguest and he finds himself in demand by the local housewives. However, a brush with the law, and a proclaimation of love for Pegs daughter Kim results in the townsfolk turning on him, and he soon finds ... ...fit into a box. Edward is a sad pale character potrayed brilliantly by Burton's favourite actor Johnny Depp. Depp captures the vulnerability of Edward, and melds easily between tragic comedy and drama with ease. Where he is let down is with his supporting actors. Diane Wiest is amusing, but has only one facet to her character. Winona Ryder as the fresh faced Kim is watchable, but this really isn't her best work. Kudos though to Kathy Baker in a supporting ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Sweet fairy-tale with Johnny Depp Disadvantages: None - it's Johnny Depp!
...success with Batman, Burton co-wrote Edward Scissorhands with Caroline Thompson. This was to be the beginning of his collaborations with Johnny Depp.
***Plot Summary***
A young man created and given long sheer-like scissors for hands by his inventor father struggles to come to terms with life after his father's death, living alone in the dark and dilapidated castle he shared with his father - his only companion.
When a kind Avon Lady, Peggy Bogs ... ...interest of the story.
Edward discovers a talent for cutting the hair and hedges of all his new neighbours and through the nurturing of his new family he develops confidence and dreams of working in a salon. What begins as a difficult relationship between Kim and Edward soon develops into a friendship with a hint of something more although the presence of her nasty boyfriend Jim makes it difficult for romance to blossom.
When Edward is tricked ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Depp and Chocolate....Perfect chick flick? Disadvantages: Why change the storyline?
...was fantastic. If it wasn't broken, why mend it?
We also get the repeated syrupy Americana message that families are the most important thing in the world, which any youngster not in a stable family could find upsetting.
But having said all of that. I did enjoy this day-glo version, especially Depp and Deep (does that sound like a double act waiting to happen?) and Helena Bonham-Carter.
I did enjoy spotting the cameos from Brit-thesps from Eastenders and Vicar Of Dibley (see if you can spot them!) deliberately so out of context, all part of Burton's humour.
Burton buffs will be pleasantly amused by the trademark subtle touches that he puts into the film.
There is a reference to EdwardScissorhands when Wonka is seen snipping the ribbon to open the factory and probably countless others I missed…(check out a future DVD extras...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
In Tim Burton's EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, a suburban fairy tale with incredibly imaginative sets, an Avon lady, Peg Boggs (Dianne Wiest), discovers the half-finished experiment--a man/monster named Edward (Johnny Depp)--of a mad scientist (played magically by Vincent Price) living in the neighborhood's old abandoned castle. The scientist died before replacing the shy man's large shears with real hands. When Peg attempts to bring Edward into her suburban world, to live among her skeptical family (husband Alan Arkin and daughter Winona Ryder) and gossipy neighbors, his hands--dangerous yet capable of creating things of great beauty--make for some awkward, funny, and poignant situations: Edward as a topiary gardener, Edward as a cutting-edge hair stylist. EDWARD SCISSORHANDS is a story about tolerance, difference, and creativity as much as it is a story of a young man's coming of age (the young man in question is, of course, a monster). In the ironically surreal world of Edward's suburban community, he must try to find his place in it, and in the world at large.
Technical information
Special Features: Tim Burton Commentary, Danny Elfman Commentary, Featurette, Interview Clips, Two Trailers, Spanish TV Spots, Concept Artwork
Review: "...The year's most comic, romantic and haunting film fantasy....Burton is a true movie visionary with uncommon insights into hearts in torment..." (Rolling Stone, p.53-4, 10/01/1991)
"...Eye-catching, ingenious..." (Sight and Sound, p.42, 01/07/1991)
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