Edward Scissorhands (1990) is a romantic fantasy film directed by the infallible Tim Burton, and features the formidable Johnny Depp in his first role in a Burton film, as Edward.
The film opens with an elderly woman telling her grand-daughter about where the snow comes from. Cue the introduction of Edward, an artificial and synthetic ‘boy’ who has (although meant temporarily) ‘scissors’ for hands. Unfortunately, his creator subsequently died before attaching the finishing element to his creation, (a pair of hands) leaving Edward alone and isolated in the former home of his ‘father’, a Gothic castle (which is a homage to Frankenstein.) Burton refers to Edward Scissorhands as his most personal piece of work; it is through this in which he reflects on his isolation and inability to communicate properly when growing up in suburban Santa Clarita Valley.
One day, Peggy Boggs happens across Edward whilst trying to push the sales of her Avon products (like a true saleswoman) and takes him back to her suburban family home. There, Edward meets Kevin, the Bogg’s young son, her husband - Bill, and Kim, (his future love interest and Peg’s teen daughter) who is dating the local bully Jim. Edward receives scepticism, rejection and initial acceptance amongst the townspeople as a hedge trimmer/hairdresser, creating whimsical and unique creations for the suburban population.
Depp convincingly portrays a wonderful and gentle ‘man’ who just so happens to have deadly weapons as hands. It is through Burton's subtle film-making techniques that his vision is able to flourish in Depp's capable hands. Depp is able to warm the audience to his side, helping viewers sympathize with Edward, despite the fact he barely speaks a word (which is similar to the way in which Charlie Chaplin or Buster Keaton could evoke audience reactions through simple gestures and movements).
For me, what is so striking about the film is the personal nature of the story, depicting Edward’s restrained creativity and personal and moral stances in comparison with the other characters in the film (such as Esmeralda who thinks Edward is the spawn of Satan and Joyce who has very low moralities.) The film focuses on the judgements made by most characters aesthetically and how only a few (Kim and Peggy) can see deeper than the physical visage of the title character.
Although mainly focusing on the complications of romance, Gothic stylistic features and the often disapproving nature of society, the film does give leeway to some rather humorous moments – such as the ridiculously comical ‘waterbed’ scene, Bill’s ‘You can’t buy the necessities of life with cookies’ line and the abundance of lines from the wayward king of comedy, Jim. I feel as if this is comforting whilst watching a somewhat saddening, reflective film; Burton assures us that Edward’s story on a whole will touch us - even if he himself can’t.
What I think contributed greatly to the film’s (well deserved) critical and economical success is that it epitomizes the imperfect as perfection itself. Although seriously lacking in what most people take for granted – use of proper hands – Edward is the character which we are all rooting for, hoping that he finds happiness. Edward Scissorhands gives a flicker of hope to those who can relate to Edward, (feeling of difference and wanting to fit in within an environment that feels so alien to our own) encouraging you to stay true to yourself and that someone will accept you (and those who don’t usually aren't worth it anyway) which is an uncommon re-assurance in today’s world.
No one can create such an incredible visual creation with such a personal and sentimental tale like Burton. Edward Scissorhands is Burton’s touching piece of self discovery and isolation that gives hope to those who do not yet feel ‘complete.’
(4 stars)
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