Fatherly Figures In Tim Burton's Films

Society often sets the example of how it wants life to be and how life is expected to be lived out. Tim Burton, a well-known director and producer, shows through his movies that even though society sets an example, people don’t have to follow that example, and sometimes they should not. Tim Burton incorporates outcast protagonists and motherly/fatherly figures in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Alice in Wonderland to convey the idea that young people truly find themselves when they deviate from the path society has carved for them. As a director, Tim Burton uses outcast protagonists to show that people do not have to follow the example set by society. In Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Burton includes front lighting on Charlie which showcases his innocence, unlike the other children. Burton also uses side lighting of Augustus and Veruca to help express their obnoxious personalities. The inclusion of these lighting techniques illustrates Burton’s opinion that it is okay to be different. In Alice in Wonderland, Burton includes low angles of Alice as well as high angles of most of the other characters. The low angle of Alice makes her stand out, which …show more content…
The presence of these figures helps develop a different approach to identifying themselves uniquely from others. In Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Burton uses a two shot of Grandpa Joe and Charlie. During this scene, Grandpa Joe gives Charlie the only money he has left so that he can have another chance to win the golden ticket. This scene illustrates Grandpa Joe’s love and kindness toward Charlie. Grandpa Joe sets the example that money is not needed to be happy, only family. In Alice in Wonderland, Burton illustrates the Mad Hatter’s brave and fearless personality through many shots including a shot reverse shot between him and the Queen of Hearts. The Mad Hatter confronts the queen, and lies to her face to try to keep Alice