Tim Burton's lovingly-created biopic of Edward D. Wood Jr, widely acknowledged as "the worst director of all-time". His films were ultra-B-movies, shot on tight budget... more >
Tim Burton's lovingly-created biopic of Edward D. Wood Jr, widely acknowledged as "the worst director of all-time". His films were ultra-B-movies, shot on tight budgets, poorly acted, and littered with ludicrous dialogue, botched takes and inconsistencies.
Burton's film is shot in black-and-white, lending it both a period quality and an appropriately gothic feel, and Wood's association with a plethora of Hollywood misfits and oddballs also gives it a typically Burtonesque kookiness. Johnny Depp has a ball in the role of Wood himself, always positive and upbeat even when things don't seem to be going his way (which is virtually all of the time). Also outstanding are Bill Murray as the darkly-camp John 'Bunny' Breckinridge, and Martin Landau, whose performance as fading horror film star Bela Lugosi earnt him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
From a wholly subjective perspective, possibly the greatest thing about Ed Wood the film (which is somewhat at odds with the films of Ed Wood) is the script. This isn't a comedy, strictly speaking, but it nevertheless has some of the funniest lines of any film that I've seen. For example, when film producer Georgie Weiss queries Ed's sexuality after the revelation that he likes to cross-dress, Ed explains "I'm all man. I even fought in World War Two. Of course, I was wearing women's undergarments under my uniform." Later, Ed dismisses Bunny's requests for glitter, cats eyes and antennae to 'glam up' his role in Plan 9 From Outer Space with the line "No! You're the ruler of the galaxy! Show a little taste!"
Ed Wood aspired to greatness, but never 'sold out' in the pursuance of his dream. He merely loved films and loved making films - a kindred spirit to Burton. Never critically appreciated during his lifetime, his legend has grown posthumously (he died in 1978) in a very post-modern way. Rarely has the phrase "so bad, it's good" been more apposite than when applied to much of his work. This film, by contrast, is just plain excellent. Period. < less
Widescreen. Directors Commentary, Music Video, Trailer Documentaries - 'The Theremin', 'Making Bela', 'When Carol Met Larry' and 'Pie Plates Over Hollywood'.
