Review of Beetlejuice (1988) by Wesley J — 21 Apr 2013

The film I most admire and is consequently the most memorable film with regauards to make up and costumes is 1988's Beetlejuice. The film is directed by film maker Tim Burton who has directed such cult classics as Pee Wee's Big Adventure and Edward Scissor Hands.

Burton has established himself as one of the most creative visionary directors of his time, and I think Beetlejuice is one of the most revolutionary films of the 1980's. I say this because, he was able to manifest this great, never before seen universe mainly through the use of his costume selections and the make up artistry that he chose for his film.

I remember watching this film in 1990 out of theaters when I was 8 years old and I remember being captivated by the imaginitive make up of Beetlejuice and Lydia. I had very little understanding or patience for the adult, dark humor in the film.

What little patience I had for the film held me hostage to the screen because of the dark, gloomy costumes the entire cast wore; in particular the memorable dance number to the BANANA SONG, Day O. The costumes and the make up are probably the most important element in setting the tone and the characterization of the film.

aside from the wonderful sets, the costumes and make up are what gives the film its personality and charm. Costume designer Agie Guerard Rogers was brought on to design these marvelous characters and in my opinion without her talents the film would not have succeded as a whole.

Her designs assisted Burton in producing a film where these outrages, unrealistic characters could be believable within the universe that Burton cunstructed. In large part Roger's costume designs gave the film authenticity within the laws of its own univerese.

I believe this film changed cinema, because it showed the world that the dark and occult could be presented in a comical and entertaining.