Tim Burton does it again with his impressive and imaginative new stop-motion film, “Corpse Bride,” staring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter and Emily Watson.
“Corpse Bride” is a tale of two shy individuals, whose marriage is arranged by their parents. Victor Van Dort, voiced by Johnny Depp and Victoria Everglot, voiced by Emily Watson. The Van Dorts are wealthy from their prosperous fish business and the Everglots are a middle class family, yet still hold on to their distinguished and respectable name. Victor and Victoria’s wedding is arranged to solve both families social shortcomings. But when Victor accidentally becomes wedded to a heart broken corpse bride, (voiced by Helena Bonham Carter) the marriage between Victor and Victoria is uncertain and the tale takes an unexpected turn.
Burton brings death to life in through Victor’s corpse bride. The realms of the living and the dead humorously interact and are represented in the film. Ironically the world of the living is dull and absent of true happiness, while the realm of the dead is full of content and fulfillment. The dead are shown as lively, fun -loving people and the living are shown as dull, superficial people bounded by social standards. The use of gray and neutral colors portrays the world of the living as boring and jaded whereas the world of the dead is colorful, playful and intriguingly chaotic.
In the tradition of Burton’s, “Nightmare Before Christmas,” his new film is shot in stop-motion animation. Stop-motion uses detailed puppets instead of live actors or actresses. The puppets are tediously moved frame by frame to create animation. Stop-motion allows the characters to look like their personalities, which adds humor and originality to the film. The visual detail in the film stir up life-like human movements and emotions.
Whether or not you believe in life after death or life coexisting with it, Burton’s, “Corpse Bride” deserves two thumbs up. It is a must see and is guaranteed to take you on a pleasant emotional rollercoaster. There may be a few tears but also laughter to balance out any sadness. Like the humor of Shakespeare, the characters will most likely remind you of someone you know, knew, or once met.
Burton’s wit strikes again
India Allen
September 27, 2005
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