Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Starring Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, and Vincent Price.  Cinematography by Stefan Czapsky. Edited by Colleen Halsey and Richard Halsey. Produced by Tim Burton and Denise Di Novi. Written by Tim Burton and Caroline Thompson.  Directed by Tim Burton.

The story is about a boy named Edward (played by Johnny Depp) who is built by an old scientist (played by Vincent Price) in a mansion just outside of town.  The old man dies before he can finish Edward and he leaves his hands a mess of scissors blades instead of fingers.  He is found by the local Avon lady (played by Dianne Wiest) and is eventually brought to town to live in her suburbia life.  There is an initial attempt to make Edward feel welcome, but his differences prove to be too much.  The ignorance of Edward’s new neighbors pushes him away and he is once again the outsider.

This project gave Burton an opportunity to work with his lifelong hero, Vincent Price. Burton has often mentioned Price’s significance to his childhood and the chance to work with him was dream come true. Sadly, Edward Scissorhands was Price’s last film role. In October of 1993, he died of lung cancer.

Edward Scissorhands is a project that Burton holds close to his heart.  He started developing the story as early as his childhood and Edward is said to be inspired by a drawing that he had done as a teenager.  The film plays out like a modern-day fairytale and could be mentioned in the same breath as a story from the brothers Grimm.  There is an underlying social satire, but nothing is too dramatic for a casual Saturday afternoon viewing. All in all I’d say that this is quintessential Burton.

Budget: $20,000,000

Total US Gross: $53,976,987

Genre: Fantasy

Runtime: 105 Minutes

US Release Date: 12/7/90

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 (intended ratio)

Awards:

Academy Awards: 
Nominated for best makeup.

Golden Globes: 
Nominated for best actor in a comedy or musical.

Tagline: His Story Will Touch You, Even Though He Can't.

Quote: “Forget about holding her hand, man. Think about the damage he could do to other places.”