-
Tim Burton's Corpse Bride is a lovely, beautiful, touching, caring, funny, and thoughtful film. It captures the imaginative world of the after life as only Burton can… with dazzling visual detail, witty humor, and a whole a lot of heart. While I'm not so sure that Corpse Bride has as many laughs as Burton's creation Nightmare Before Christmas (directed by Henry Selick), I do think this is every bit as wonderful and perhaps an overall superior film. It's certainly a more personal and quintessential film for Burton. It's been in the works for over 5 years and the process of making the film alone is a masterful achievement of passion and determination. Adding to the films excitement and expression are Burton regulars (including the always terrific Danny Elfman's music, and the voices of Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Christopher Lee, Albert Finney, as well as the irresistible Emily Watson). Through these wonderful characters, Burton handles themes of alienation and death in the most compassionate and imaginative ways. Burton seems to find a greater connection to outside worlds such as the afterlife, which is presented here with vibrant energy in contrast to the dullness surrounding the living. Burtons films center around "strange" or isolated characters who survive within imaginary worlds. If they do not fit within the conformity of the "ordinary" world, love and redemption can be obtained in the imaginary world of their design or control. Burton is simply a personal favorite and his films continue to hold value and meaning. I've enjoyed every film he has made to date and will continue to look forward to future releases. Corpse Bride is expressionist filmmaking at the very best and artistic.
-