Molly Forke: Edward Scissorhands

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

                Edward Scissorhands is a classic movie.  I love the cast and the plot itself, and not just because Johnny Depp is the star.  I think that given the nature and tone of the movie, the cast was picked perfectly to highlight all of Tim Burton’s creepiness.

                Even though it is set in a bright, suburban and fairly “common” place, Edward Scissorhands himself is a very awkward, lonely, and strange character to be placed in such a happy and upbeat setting.  Everyone else is wearing brightly colored clothing in green yards, laughing, playing with kids and dogs, mowing the lawn, watching tv, etc.  And then Edward is pale, wears only white, with scissors for hands.  He is a very misplaced person, which I think is the whole underlying basis of the film.  If Edward was set in a place where he fit in, it would not be the same movie.  For example the waterbed scene, when Winona Ryder walks in after a night out and realizes that Edward is in her bed, it would not have been funny if Edward was a simple guy.  Even as Edward lies in bed he is misplaced; her room is covered with high school memorabilia, school photos, medals, and all brightly colored.  As she starts to undress and realizes that Edward is in her bed, she freaks out and thinks that there is a murderer.  Edward does not say a thing, but simply tries to silently scurry past everyone.  If it was an ordinary Joe in her bed, the scene probably would have been a little more frightening than funny.

                I loved this movie, and I can’t believe I haven’t seen it before now.  It’s strange to think that it is a Tim Burton movie, seeing as most of the scenes and settings are bright and colorful; his movies are usually the complete opposite.