Review of Edward Scissorhands (1990) by David W — 07 Nov 2013

With the success of Batman under his belt, Tim Burton set out to make a very personal movie. Edward Scissorhands is one of his greatest achievements. This is the type of classic they don't make anymore. Probably never will. It's right up there with the likes of 'Casablanca' or 'Gone with the Wind' except different. It tells the story, or should I say Bedtime story, about a young man who lived in the mansion up on the mountain and would never come down. That is until one day a nice Avon lady shows up at his doorstep. Inviting herself in, she meets this scary looking individual with knives for hands. But they're scissors. How odd. Except this lady isn't stricken with fear because in the moment of when he speaks to her she can rightly tell he isn't a monster. So, she takes him home with her.

The neighborhood is full of gossipy, lonely housewife types who get a thrill over whoever new comes along. The lady introduces her life to Edward which is her husband, her son and her beautiful daughter, Kim. Edward is instantly smitten with Kim. However, she isn't as much into taking a liking to him. She has a boyfriend who is very mean, but sooner or later Kim takes a liking to Edward. Not because he's different (well that too), but because she can see in his eyes that he loves her. Unfortunately, their love is doomed due to the world they live in. Edward can not function in this "nice" neighborhood. The only way he can be truly safe from the world is by isolating himself in the mansion on the mountain and giving up his love for Kim. Sad story, but bittersweet.

Tim Burton's themes of isolation and outsiders are brought into a much bigger light with this movie. Like I said, this is a personal movie and it shows. It's a great film for teenagers for sure who feel isolated or misunderstood. In fact anyone who has dwelled in the land of outsiders will instantly relate to Edward. He's the perfect role model for the lost and misunderstood. Johnny Depp plays the central role extremely well. This was his very first film with Tim Burton and from this point forward Depp would be a regular staple to the Tim Burton universe. Also Winona Ryder is ever so gorgeous as Kim. Her relationship with Depp at the time shines through in their roles which gave their characters that much more depth in the scene where she tells Edward she loves him. A scene that will surely bring about tears for anyone easily prone to sentimental moments. Ah, fine I'll admit it. I almost cried myself.

A masterpiece and one of the best love stories ever told!