BEETLEJUICE (1988)

Film of the Day #184 - 31 Days of Halloween #20

BEETLEJUICE
1988 • Tim Burton

Screenplay: Michael McDowell; Warren Skaaren; Story by Michael McDowell, Larry Wilson
Cast: Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Jeffrey Jones, Catherine O'Hara, Winona Ryder, Glenn Shadix, Sylvia Sidney, Robert Goulet, Dick Cavett
Cinematography: Thomas E. Ackerman
Music: Danny Elfman
Producers: Michael Bender, Larry Wilson, Richard Hashimoto

Warner Bros.

I'm the ghost with the most, babe.

I saw this movie in theatres when I was 8 years old. I probably shouldn’t have. The story revolves around a recently deceased young couple, Adam and Barbara (Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis), who find themselves stuck haunting their idyllic New England home. When their peaceful afterlife is disrupted by the arrival of the obnoxious and eccentric Deetz family—Charles (Jeffrey Jones), Delia (Catherine O'Hara), and their goth daughter Lydia (Winona Ryder)—the recently deceased couple attempt to scare the new inhabitants away.

Frustrated with their lack of supernatural abilities, they seek help from the mischievous and crude poltergeist, Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton). Beetlejuice, a "bio-exorcist” who appears whenever you call his name three times, agrees to help the Maitlands, but his antics quickly spiral out of control. As Beetlejuice wreaks havoc on the Deetz family and the living world, Lydia, who can communicate with the deceased, becomes increasingly aware of the dangerous situation.

In the realm of the bizarre and the imaginative, Tim Burton reigns supreme (or at least he once did.) His 1988 supernatural comedy Beetlejuice stands as a testament to his unique vision and storytelling prowess. Blending elements of comedy, fantasy, and the supernatural, Burton concocts a cinematic potion that is as entertaining as it is unnerving.

Burton has apparently referred to Beetlejuice as his "comical version of The Exorcist, a description that perfectly captures the film's blend of horror and humor. At its core, the movie explores the clash between the afterlife and the living world, personified by the endearing Maitlands and the audacious Deetz family. Alec Baldwin delivers his most benign performance, channeling the affable charm of a man trapped between life and death. Geena Davis, Winona Ryder, and the incomparable Sylvia Sidney add depth and appeal to the film's ensemble, creating a memorable cast that resonates with viewers long after the credits roll.

But the true star of the show is Michael Keaton, who portrays the enigmatic and complex Beetlejuice. Keaton, despite being the title character, only appears in 17 minutes of the film, and he squeezes every drop he can out of that screen time. Keaton's performance is nothing short of phenomenal, infusing the character with immense complexity, humor, and a touch of madness. Only under Burton's direction could such a character come to life with such vividness and depth. Additionally, Keaton employed a lot of improv during filming, making Beetlejuice uniquely his own. Beetlejuice embodies the essence of chaos and unpredictability, making him a standout character in the annals of cinema.

The brilliance of "Beetlejuice" lies not only in its cast but also in its fast-paced narrative and Burton's distinct directorial style. Clocking in at a brisk hour-and-a-half, the film keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. Burton's signature weird special effects and odd set designs, especially after the Maitlands transform their house, add a delightful sense of otherworldly charm to the film. The movie's cool factor, combined with its inventive use of practical effects, makes it a visual feast for the audience.

Keaton’s performance undoubtedly played a pivotal role in catapulting him into the role of Batman. Tim Burton saw in Keaton a rare versatility. Keaton's ability to seamlessly transition from the wildly eccentric and chaotic Beetlejuice to the brooding, complex character of Batman showcased his acting range. Burton recognized that beneath Keaton's charming exterior, there was a depth and intensity that could breathe life into the iconic superhero. Keaton's portrayal of Batman was marked by a compelling duality, capturing the tormented soul of Bruce Wayne while exuding confidence and power as the Caped Crusader. Ultimately, Keaton's standout performance in Beetlejuice served as a testament to his acting prowess, convincing Burton that he was capable of bringing the Dark Knight to life on the big screen.

Beyond its visual appeal, Beetlejuice explores themes of culture clash and the afterlife with wit and creativity. The clash between the modest, down-to-earth Maitlands and the ostentatious, urbanite Deetz family serves as the backdrop for the film's comedic escapades. It's a satire on the excesses of modern life, brought to life through Burton's uniquely skewed lens. The Maitlands represent the simplicity of small-town life, while the Deetzes epitomize the garish tackiness of urbanites. This clash of exaggerated personalities provides ample fodder for the film's humor and social commentary.

At its heart, Beetlejuice is a landmark supernatural comedy, a refreshingly zany fantasy brimming with weirdness. It's a testament to Burton's directorial genius and his ability to transform seemingly bizarre concepts into cinematic gold. Alongside Burton's other great works like Batman, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, and Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice stands tall as one of his best films, a timeless classic that continues to charm audiences with its strange quirkiness.

Ah. Well... I attended Juilliard... I'm a graduate of the Harvard business school. I travel quite extensively. I lived through the Black Plague and had a pretty good time during that. I've seen the EXORCIST ABOUT A HUNDRED AND SIXTY-SEVEN TIMES, AND IT KEEPS GETTING FUNNIER EVERY SINGLE TIME I SEE IT.

Notoable Awards & Accomplishments

• Academy Award Winner: Best Makeup

• 2 BAFTA Award Nominations: Best Makeup, Best Special Effects

• Saturn AWard Winner: Best Horror Film, Best Supporting Actress (Sidney), Best Makeup

Streaming: MAX, TNT
Digital Rental/Purchase: Available at most digital retailers
Physical Media: Available on 4K, Blu-Ray and DVD.