Review of Corpse Bride (2005) by Claire T — 11 Nov 2012

Tim Burton is truly in his element here, the tale is twisted, dark and fantastical but still stunningly beautiful and emotionally moving.

The two protagonists are both well developed, varied and complex characters with personality flaws and emotional depth which makes them completely believable, regardless of the fact that one of them is dead. The same is true of Victoria, though to a slightly lesser extent.

This film is strewn equally with humour and fear, in true Tim Burton style. The voice acting is perfect on all accounts and the casting is superb. The music ranges from funny and witty to sad and haunting but is unfailingly beautiful, then again, did we really expect anything else from THE Danny Elfman? The plot is unusual and inventive, giving a spin to an old favourite.

As much as I may sing his praise to the heavens, Tim Burton is flawed like any other human and has a tendency to blur many of his lesser characters into stark black or whites, which is certainly true of Mr. & Mrs. Everglot (though this is perfectly forgiveable as many fallen aristocrats would have behaved this way) and more obviously of Barkis Bittern, who feels somewhat like a planted nuisance that helpfully speeds up the plot.

A film that's about as near-perfect in my eyes as you can possibly get without quite reaching that 100% mark.