Animated Macabre

Rating: 10/10 (30 March 2007)

It's difficult to find someone who hasn't heard of or seen a film that's come from the mind of Tim Burton. In a few short years, he's become a fixture of Hollywood with films like 'Sleepy Hollow', 'Big Fish', and this year's 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' (all are fantastic, by the way). But for the first time, Burton pays homage to the style that put him on the map over ten years ago. He creates a tale that matches his definitive masterpiece, 'A Nightmare Before Christmas' (while he did not direct the film, he's credited with writing and producing roles in the pioneering production).
Based on a 19th century European folklore, 'Corpse Bride' takes place in - you guessed it - a dreary 19th century European village. Victor (Johnny Depp) is a timid young man who has been arranged to marry Victoria (Emily Watson), and neither have met each other prior to the rehearsal taking place a day before the ceremony is to happen. With pressure from both sides of the family, Victor escapes the confines of the village and seeks a refuge in the dark and chilling forest nearby. While he practices his vows, he ends up marrying a corpse bride (Helena Bonham-Carter) after mistakingly placing the ring on a (seemingly) tree root (the scene of resurrection is authentically creepy). Victor finds himself mixed up with the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead, where he must make a difficult and hard decision. It's a sweet tale of love lost, told in the classic Tim Burton style.
Complete with an all-star cast, many of whom have already appeared in one or more prior Burton films, 'Bride' is led by Johnny Depp and real-life wife Helena Bonham-Carter. For Depp, it's his fifth time delving into a Burton piece ('Ed Wood', 'Edward Scissorhands', 'Sleepy Hollow', 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'), and his first time landing himself in a role where only his voice is required - not a bad start I'd say. For Bonham-Carter, it's her fourth time with her hubby ('Planet of the Apes', 'Big Fish', 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'), and her contributions give her the standout performance. The supporting cast is just as good, with contributions from the likes of Emily Watson, Albert Finney, Tracey Ullman, and Christopher Lee.
It's been five years since the last stop-animation feature ('Chicken Run'), and 'Corpse Bride' may just be the perfect rebuke to a growing industry of computer-animated films. It was a surprising move by Warner Bros. to entrust $40 million to Burton for the production, but it's clear that Burton is right at home in this disarmingly stunning film. He not only succeeds, he takes this 77-minute dramedy and spins it into a wildly entertaining macabre musical that's nothing short of genius. It's amazing that the most simplest of shots can be turned into a masterpiece, but Burton does just that. He once again proves his unique style, and it's undeniable, Tim's done it again.
The bittersweet fairy tale exceeds on every level. Visually and atmospherically, it's another masterpiece. Burton paints death more colorfully than living, and the variations between the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead are clearly visible, it may make one wish they were dead and could visit such a lively neighborhood where it feels like Halloween each and every day. Both the story and characters are rich, and the film progresses with such ease that the slim movie is, unfortunately, over nearly as soon as it begins. But worth noting is Danny Elfman, who has scored almost all of Burton's productions. He's had a busy year, what with 'Charlie' and now this, but Elfman finds himself with his most challenging job since 'A Nightmare Before Christmas'. Like 'Nightmare', Elfman not only scores the film, but writes a multitude of catchy and musically vibrant songs that enrich the film.
It's a wholly Burtonesque feature that'll be sure to delight die-hard fans everywhere (myself included). It's stunningly beautiful and fun, but it also has a heart that's very much alive. It's a balancing mix of horror, humor, and love that'll win over the hearts of its viewers. The whimsical and eerie atmosphere is truly like nothing else at the movies today. At the hands of now-veteran Tim Burton, it soars into flight and never looks back. Sure to become an instant cult classic, it's a touching portrait of tragedy that just demands to be seen. Burton has rarely been in such top-notch form, and his 'Corpse Bride' is not only the best film of 2005, but it's the best film to come around in some time. It's not good, nor is it great. It reaches a level of pure brilliance and genius that few have ever even attempted. I haven't looked forward to dying this much in a long time.