Ed Wood (1994)

Starring Johnny Depp, Martin Landau, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Patricia Arquette.  Cinematography by Stefan Czapsky.  Edited by Chris Lebenzon. Produced by Tim Burton and Denise Di Novi. Written by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski. Directed by Tim Burton.

Based on the biography by Rudolph Grey, Ed Wood is a loose interpretation of the life of Ed Wood; a man who has been dubbed as the “worst director of all time” (and played by Johnny Depp).  Wood did everything he could to get in and stay in the movie making business, and truly loved doing it, but inevitably all of his movies turned out to be terrible.  His tragic filmmaking attempts included such cult classics as Plan 9 from Outer Space, Glen or Glenda, and Bride of the Monster.  Beyond his film projects the movie details Wood’s strange relationship with the aging Bela Lugosi (played by Martin Landau), his female relationship problems, and his love of dressing in women's clothes.

Michael Lehmann, the director of Heathers and Hudson Hawk, was initially intended to direct the film. Tim Burton was approached to produce, but became very attached to the material and lobbied to direct it himself. He said that he was fascinated by Wood’s denial and enthusiasm and felt that he could relate to his attitude.  Burton was also excited to take a break from the string of big budget special effects movies. His passion for the project is obvious and it bleeds through the screen.

Ed Wood is arguably Burton's best work as a director, but overall a huge commercial disappointment. The film actually cost more to produce than all of Ed Wood's films added together. The amazing thing is that it never pokes fun at Wood.

On the contrary; it celebrates his zeal and excitement for film. It treats his transsexuality casually and the fact that he was a magnet for the socially undesirable with respect. Ed Wood, an obvious target for degradation and humiliation, comes out of this picture looking someone you would want to be your best friend.  Kudos, Mr. Burton.

Budget: $18,000,000

Total US Gross: $5,828,466

Genre: Comedy

Runtime: 127 Minutes

US Release Date: 9/28/94

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Awards:

Academy Awards: 
Won for best actor in a supporting role and best makeup.

Golden Globes: 
Won best supporting actor.
Nominated for best actor in a comedy/musical and best comedy/musical. 

Cannes Film Festival: 
Nominated for the Golden Palm.

Writers Guild of America: 
Nominated for Best Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen.

Tagline: When It Came To Making Bad Movies, Ed Wood Was The Best.

Quote: “This story's gonna grab people. It's about this guy, he's crazy about this girl, but he likes to wear dresses. Should he tell her?  Should he not tell her? He's torn, Georgie.  This is drama.”