A fascinating look at a fascinating story behind a rather fascinating director; could in fact be called 'Plan 9: The Making Of'.

Rating: 8/10 (8 December 2006)

'Ed Wood' is one of those films that comes really close to making fun out of itself. Its Hollywood, behind closed doors setting is something that has worked really well when exploited by certain films in the past, namely 'Singin' in the Rain' and 'The Player' and it works just as well here, setting up a big, intimidating world in which the characters try to live in and break through in. One person unfazed yet totally oblivious to the fact he's living under these conditions is our hero; Edward Wood which gives the film a comic touch straight away.
If you're familiar with Edward Wood or if you've seen any of his films then it helps  big time. Although it's probably not necessary to have seen them all; the focus here is one what professional critics and analysers have dubbed 'the worst film ever made' that film being 'Plan 9 from Outer Space'. I, myself, have seen the said movie and rated it 4/10, yes, it was bad what with the awful camera work, fake sets and props and woeful dialogue but to be honest; I've seen worse (Batman and Robin, anyone?).
As I mentioned, the film gives off a fantastic look at Hollywood itself. The sets, the extras, the studios  they all combine to create an interesting utopia or dystopia for some. The references to Boris Karloff and the actual inclusion of Bela Lugosi and his problems is a wonderful sub-plot that really hammers home the authenticity of the film. Another interesting reference is when Wood (Fantastically acted by Depp) is talking to Lugosi (Again, brilliant acted by Landau) about the horror genre and Universal horror in general. They mention 'traditional horror' which utilises buildings, shapes and the like to create an atmosphere; something that 'Ed Wood' director Tim Burton actually does and can be seen in films such as 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' and 'Batman Returns'.
Because Edward Wood is supposedly the worst director of all time, we see film producers laugh at some of his work he presents them early on; not sure whether to laugh or not. This is an interesting, subtle hint at our own reaction. If we've seen any of Wood's work in real life (especially 'Plan 9') then we know how they feel; do we laugh or not. Is this meant to be serious film-making? This draws us in to the film and helps us relate to the producers.
The films is packed full of references to previous Edward Wood films and we really can see his masterpiece 'Plan 9' forming as the film progresses. Each thing he picks up on, from the first sight of Vampira to the fact a random guy happens to look like Lugosi with half his face covered up. It's really engrossing cinema and it's interesting trying to figure out what's true to life and what isn't. In addition, if you've seen 'Plan 9', then the shooting of it on set is just fascinating.
With some strong acting from everyone, even the supporting cast and some great content; 'Ed Wood' is, so far, my favourite biopic and is genuinely funny and entertaining. Although I hate to go away thinking this was merely exploiting the worst director of all time, I shall just suggest it's more of a warning of what not to do than anything else.