Easily forgettable disappointing muddle with weak songs

Rating: 6/10 (24 October 2005)

SPOILERS For dark and twisted humour, is there anyone better than Tim Burton? The director of so many amazing films over the years, Burton chose 2005 to release two big films. Directing Johnny Depp in both "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "Corpse Bride" at the same time, Burton has attempted to create two superb films simultaneously. Sadly however, it feels like he has failed on both fronts. Whilst 'Charlie' was a dire affair with a complete lack of magic, "Corpse Bride" is a much more dark and lively effort. At the same time though, 'Bride' is mediocre and muddled with some instantly forgettable songs and a lack of real passion for any of the characters involved.
After messing up a wedding rehearsal to his new love, Victor Van Dort (Depp) heads off into the woods to practise his vows. Finally completing them, Victor's life takes an unexpected turn when he inadvertently marries himself to the long since deceased Emily (Helena Bonham Carter in the title role). Dragged down to the afterlife, where every day is a party, Victor finds himself caught in a love triangle which literally crosses the mortal divide.
Badly disorganised and possessing an ironic spiritless soul, "Corpse Bride" is just one massive disappointment. While it starts alright and develops from there, the story never really feels like it is waking up. This of course is no doubt Burton's intention. When in the living world, the story is dull, dark and monotonous. In the afterlife by contrast, everything is coloured, lively, and one long party. It's an obscure feeling, but it works well. Unfortunately, this works so well that during the living world, we get tired and bored. It's a shame that sometimes Burton is too good.
The story itself is not helped by what can only be the worst work of Danny Elfman's career. A legend when it comes to lyrics and tunes, Elfman can perform admirably. So it is with personal regret that he screws up so badly here. Yes we can appreciate his skill, but the songs are just too forgettable. You come out of the film and you want to hum along as you walk home. Yet you can't because you can't remember any. Gone are the days of "What's This" and other songs from the magical "Nightmare Before Christmas", and ultimately this film suffers for it.
Burton is a genius at what he does. Sometimes though, by being arrogant and dividing his time, and then simultaneously trying to get a process right, he can inadvertently mess up his own work. That is what has happened here. Succeeding in creating a living world without passion or ironically life, Burton has managed to convert half of his films screen time into a turgid monotonous affair. He isn't helped either by the failure of his friend Danny Elfman to come up with decent songs. All in all "Corpse Bride" is one big disappointment. It's an awkward error in judgement and sadly not the first one that Burton has done this year.