Tim Burton's Film Techniques

Tim Burton has been appeasing audiences with his directing tactics for over 30 years. His success roots from the morbid curiosity and raw innocence that we as an audience find in other notable figures like Edgar Allen Poe and Brothers Grimm. His exceptional craft as a director is one that captures us by provoking feelings of sentiment, warmth, and dismay. Burton utilizes techniques such as close-ups, back lighting and tracking to do just that.
Burton's use of close-ups focuses on significant objects to create a sentimental feeling within the viewers. For instance, in Corpse Bride, Victor walks through the woods in deep thought. Leading up to a dramatic reenactment of his vows, the screen captures a shot of the flower he shared earlier with his betrothed, Victoria. In the midst of this introspection, the shot allows the audience to focus on his feelings. The scene agitates feelings of curiosity and lets us become more invested in his character. Additionally, Burton's film Charlie in the Chocolate Factory shows a close-up of the last golden ticket. As Charlie opens a chocolate bar he has bought with the money he found on the road, the …show more content…
To illustrate, in his film Edward Scissorhands, while Peg applies makeup to Edward’s face, gentle back lighting is used when focusing on his face. This plays into to Edward’s character as a bewildered, helpless boy. The light is soft behind him and creates a subtle halo effect, making us feel drawn to him with affection. Likewise, Burton uses back lighting in Corpse Bride to create a softness in Emily. In the scene where Victor is being introduced to her through exhilarating song, Emily is shown in several instances with a glow behind her. What this does is downplay the encompassing plot, erasing evil from her. We as spectators now feel mellow at her presence. Burton’s idea of childlike innocence is achieved in his films via back