Originally posted on 9/17/06 at 05:29 AM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

London Film Festival - Events - Tim Burton

Click here

Tim Burton
- 29th October 2006 - 19:00, National Film Theatre, NFT1

An artist and animator by training, Tim Burton's filmmaking career took off when his short film Frankenweenie caught the attention of Paul Reubens (aka Pee-wee Herman) who insisted that Burton direct his first feature, Pee-wee's Big Adventure. The film was an instant if unexpected hit and Hollywood was quick to come calling. While working on his second feature, the wildly eccentric Beetlejuice, Burton was entrusted to direct the franchise-friendly Batman. The film, in all its big-budget glory, still retained Burton's inimitable touch - it was dark, dramatic and amusingly subversive. Similar in tone, but a far more personal film, Edward Scissorhands secured his reputation as a successful director with a distinct artistic vision. The film also initiated his professional relationship with actor Johnny Depp, who again starred in Burton's Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The Nightmare Before Christmas (Dir Henry Selick), which will screen in a new 3D version as this year's Family Gala, saw Burton's fantastical and gothic imaginings adapted to animation. Returning to his roots, he at last directed his first animated feature Corpse Bride. The film, scored by Danny Elfman, another long-time collaborator, included voiceover work by Depp, who is set to star in Tim Burton's current undertaking, a screen version of the macabre Sondheim musical Sweeney Todd.

Jessica Smith