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German Expressionism and Tim Burton Essay

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German Expressionism and Tim Burton
Tim Burton's films have often been noted as modern day forms of German expressionism (the creative movement in Germany before World War I). It is through such things as sets, themes, makeup and costuming, lighting and shadows, acting techniques, and character that we can see Burton has been widely influenced by films of the era. The notable director's films Edward Scissorhands (1990), Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992), all draw parallels to expressionist films of the era and the characteristics these films feature. Burton's expressionist style films are predominantly similar to that of Robert Weine's The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920), F. W. Murnau's Nosferatu …show more content…

This fantasy horror film demonstrates yet again the impact German expressionism has on Tim Burton through his filmmaking career.

Makeup and costuming was commonly over the top and extremely dramatic in German expressionist films. This is a sector of filmmaking that profoundly influenced Tim Burton. The character of Edward Scissorhands is seen with heavy, dark eye makeup, pale skin and messy stark black hair (accentuating the contrast between light and dark), a common expressionist technique. He is also placed in gothic style costuming, contradicting that of the brightly dressed townspeople, emphasising the theme of alienation. His character is often likened to that of Cesare in The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, as they both have heavy makeup and dark clothing, and are both manipulated in some way. In Burton's Batman, we can see a resemblance between Robert Weine's Dr. Caligari and the Penguin. Both characters are dark, homicidal and mentally unstable in nature. Visually, each was depicted with a round physique and evil grin, often seen dressed in costumes such as top hats and long coats. The Penguin's makeup is extremely expressionist in style, with dark circles around the eyes, a pale face and a darkened mouth area, also emphasising the contrast of light and dark.

The most notable feature of German expressionist films is lighting and shadows.

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