Edward, at first, is portrayed as a sinister character but later he shows the audience that he is as innocent as a newborn child. He comes in contact with the outside world for the first time when Avon lady, Peg Boggs [Dianne Wiest] decides to venture up to the mansion and attempt to sell her products. She comes across shy, quirky Edward who has collections of scissor blades instead of hands. She introduces him to a new, surreal lifestyle of ‘the American dream’’
He attracts popularity with his unusual look and his developed skill of topiary and imaginative coiffure. Everyone wants to be his friend. But the Harmonious bliss doesn’t last for long when Kim’s boyfriend, Jim drops harmless Edward in trouble. Jealously then follows when he notices the air of romance between Edward and Kim. One thing leads to another and soon the whole town is filled with fear and hesitation for Edward.
The cast of Edward scissorhands is truly a superb choice. [due to the select choice of Victoria Thomas] The characterization almost fit each actor perfectly. Johnny Depp. Magnificent. The quality of his acting skills are most appreciated and noticed in this film. With comparison to other films he has acted in, you become surprised, amazed at how Edward and Johnny merge into one. You become unaware of the acting and have to think to yourself carefully to remind yourself that the character is in fact Mr Johnny Depp himself.
His love partner in the film- Wynona Ryder does embrace her character of Kim very well but is no comparison to Mr Depp. But during the film it is obvious that there is instant connection between them both. Luckily their off scene romance at the time helped with this and you could tell that something evident and strong was between them. Some would say that Wynona was not the right girl for the part as she could seem quite bland with her acting and doesn’t reach the extent of amazement as does her partner actor.
Anthony Michael Hall is another who does play his charter to the limit. The buffed up, protective, cocky, manipulative boyfriend. He comes across decent, honest and hardworking but deep down, it is later realised that he only cares about him and what he wants. Anthony portrays this very well and all the feelings of hate and disapprovement we should have for Jim is given to us is almost force-fed to th audience on a spoon.
All the characters make the moral that little bit easier to see. Of course it could be argued that there are many morals within the story. Such as; don’t judge a book by the cover. Love thy neighbour, true love prevails, search for the beauty within. And so forth.
The camera work in this film is most exquisite and thought about. The most effective shot in this film which could be said made this film very together was the close-up shot. As Edward does not express a lot through his speech, close ups were used to show what he felt and wanted to say though his facial expressions. The audience really connect with Edwards emotions through this way.
Every shot and angle in this film though is used very effectively and helped the film that little bit more in telling its tale. Like in the beginning, the bird’s eye view of the town and the mansion give us the looming effect of the castle as well as the audience becoming familiar with the area.
In conclusion, this modern day fairytale is definitely one to see and pity it is on those who do not experience this wonderful movie extravagance. Every little detail of this film, from the cast to the make up to the music and most importantly the story itself is almost too good to be believed.
Each character in this film is acted with an evident ‘degree of immense intensity’ and brings the story to the point of true life and reality.
Tim Burton made a true classic with this and shall obviously not be forgotten.
