AudienceEdward Scissorhands and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Films)
I feel Burton explores the potential of the "outsider" who appears useless, scary or even crazy in the vast majority of his artworks such as Edward in Edward Scissorhands, Willy Wonka from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and many of his sketches such as Stain Boy. I believe the majority of Burton's artworks do have a positive message. Edward Scissorhands shows even though Edward (who is the ultimate outsider with a frightening appearance), may seem like a monster, you should not judge a book by it's cover. Under Edward's gothic jumpsuit lies a sweet, innocent, caring, loving and creative person (even though Edward is actually a machine) that has a considerable amount to offer the town he lives in and the people he interacts with. In Charlie and the Chocolate Factory I believe Burton is trying to convey that you do not need to be extremely wealthy, smart or competitive to successfully achieve your goals. Burton also uses his films and sketches to portray the feelings on loneliness and alienation that he experienced as a child both Edward and Charlie are lonely and alienated. Initially, I know I should feel quite sorry for these lonely characters, and I know most people would, but I don't. I've never been lonely or felt like an outcast so I cannot empathise, but I know there are a lot of people in the world who can relate to these artworks. However, I do feel some sort of satisfaction when the characters finally find happiness. The messages Burton conveys through these individuals, although exaggerated, are real emotions felt by everyday people and the happy endings give the viewer a feeling of optimism. The horrific flashbacks of Willy Wonka's tortured childhood and the absence of a childhood in the case of Edward elicit feelings of sympathy and empathy from the audience. Burton uses juxtaposition in both films to contrast the dull grey town to the bright and colourful Willy Wonka and his factory and in Edward Scissorhands the town is covered in bright pastel colours contrasting to the gothic, dark Victorian Mansion where Edward lives and his black jumpsuit and extremely pale skin. This emphasises the outsider theme and alienation of the characters. The subjects Burton has chosen are painfully unacceptable - it is obvious to everyone that they do not fit in. |