EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (1990)

Film of the Day #225 - 25 Days of Christmas Movies #4

EDWARD SCISSORHANDS
1990 • Tim Burton

Cast: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall, Kathy Baker, Vincent Price, Alan Arkin, Robert Oliveri, Conchata Ferrell
Screenplay: Caroline Thompson; Story by Tim Burton, Caroline Thompson
Cinematography: Stefan Czapsky
Music: Danny Elfman
Producers: Denise Di Novi, Tim Burton

20th Century Fox

If he weren't up there now... I don't think it would be snowing. Sometimes you can still catch me dancing in it.

Edward Scissorhands is often left off "Best Holiday Films" lists, why I'm not sure. It is one of the GREAT Christmas films. You'll be disappointed if you go into this film as a comedy (like the producers advertised it). While it certainly has many humorous moments, this movie is much more of a fantasy—a modern day fairy tale. Edward is a creation that was built by a scientist who was trying to create a man. Even though he was a "creator," he was the only father, and family, that Edward ever knew... and sadly he died before Edward was "finished," leaving Edward with scissors for hands. Years later he is rescued from isolation by a kindly Avon lady, who unofficially adopts him. At first, Edward is welcomed by the small suburban neighborhood, and they take advantage of his handicap by putting him to use trimming hedges and cutting hair. But Edward's heart truly lies with Kim, the daughter of the woman who rescued him. What develops is a love straight out of a storybook fairy tale, however without a fairy book ending. What makes this a Christmas movie? Other than the fact that the film takes place during Christmas, it has a charming theory on the origins of snow.

Edward Scissorhands is more than a cute/sad fairy tale. It emerges as a genuine piece of art that delves into profound themes and showcases masterful storytelling. One of the defining aspects of Edward Scissorhands is its unique visual style. Tim Burton, renowned for his distinctive and imaginative approach to filmmaking, creates a surreal and gothic world mashed up with a 1950s suburban aesthetic. The contrast between the dark, eerie mansion where Edward resides and the colorful suburban neighborhood he enters is visually striking. The suburbs feel both familiar and strangely alien.

The character of Edward is portrayed brilliantly by Johnny Depp. Edward is an outsider, an introvert and an unfinished creation with scissor blades for hands, symbolizing both his creativity and his inherent danger. Are introverts and artistic creatives always on the outside, in danger of being exploited and ostracized by their neighbors? His struggle for acceptance in a conformist society serves as a metaphor for the human experience of alienation and the search for identity. This is a theme often found in Tim Burton films.

The romance between Edward and Kim (Winona Ryder), is tender and heartbreaking. Edward harbors an unrequited love for Kim. But slowly Kim starts to see his worth and inner beauty. It's a bittersweet rollercoaster that takes you on a ride through love and the slow blossoming of something truly beautiful. At first, Edward is this misunderstood outsider with those Scissorhands that are both his blessing and curse. His love for Kim is quiet, always there but never fully surfacing. It's not the typical "love at first sight"; it's a yearning, expressed through his awkward gestures. Those scissorhands, at first seemingly menacing, become extensions of his feelings, trimming hedges and creating beautiful sculptures.

On the other side, Kim, initially, sees Edward as an oddity with, well, scissors for hands. It's a bit of a challenge for her to see past the peculiar exterior. But as the story unfolds, you start to witness this beautiful transformation. It's not an overnight revelation; it's a slow burn of realization that Edward has a profound, untapped beauty within him. The beauty isn't just about the sculptures he crafts with those scissors. It's about his innocence, kindness, and childlike wonder. The heartbreaking part comes from the complexities of their situation. It's not just a simple love story; there are societal norms, prejudices, and the looming danger of those sharp scissorhands. Edward's love is tragic, filled with longing and unspoken words. As Kim starts seeing beyond the scissors, you get these moments of pure sweetness. Small gestures, like her taking his hand without fear, become these incredibly powerful symbols of acceptance and love.

Danny Elfman's score stands out as his most beautiful and emotionally resonant. Elfman, known for his iconic collaborations with director Tim Burton, like Batman and Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, outdid himself here. The score is both whimsical and full of melancholy, perfectly mirroring the film. It sounds like fairy tale music, which is appropriate. Elfman excels in translating complex emotions into music. The score doesn't just complement the film; it enhances it.

With this film, Tim Burton blends the fantastical with the deeply human. When people describe a film as "hauntingly beautiful," this is what they're talking about. Edward Scissorhands is Tim Burton's masterpiece.

- Hold me.
- I can't.

Awards & Notable Accomplishments

• Academy Award Nominee: Best Make Up

• BAFTA Winner: Best Production Design

• Golden Globe Nominee: Best Actor, Comedy/Musical - Johnny Depp

Streaming: MAX, DirecTV
Digital Rental/Purchase: Available at major digital retailers
Physical Media: Available on Blu-Ray and DVD