Wood was one interesting man

Rating: 8/10 (7 April 2006)

Ed Wood is a man who strives for what he wants. Visions of making Hollywood films; to direct, produce, write and star in the film, like Orson Wells. Backing him along, Dolores sticks with him through the falls. When a small production company plans to make a film on sex change, Ed feels he is suited to direct, for a special talent. Ed is a transvestite, a hidden fetish since childhood. Taking control over the film, Ed changes the film into a semi-biographical film about his secret desire of wearing ladies clothes; while coming out with this to his girlfriend. The movie flops and Ed is stuck again. On a chance meet with veteran actor Bela Lugosi; Dracula, Ed tries to make a monster film; yet needs to raise the money first.
A semi-biography, Ed Wood is a great satire on Hollywood, film making and the lives in entangles. Ed is such a hubris man, believing he faults no wrong and is the next Orson Wells. Only one who doesn't believe him, Dolores, when she finds out about his fetish. Though Ed charms everyone to follow him so blindly, while he is walking blind himself; the blind leading the blind. It's hard not to see why Ed Wood became the worst director of time, never taking second takes; no matter how bad the first one was.
Tim Burton, a brilliant visual director, uses the monochromatic black and white film to excellent measure. Using classic shot and camera angles, Burton gives homage to the noir 50's cinema. Johnny Deep is an absolute knock out as Wood. He encapsulates that hubris nature of Wood so perfect, and the charm he uses to pull everyone along. Martin Landau is stellar as Bela Lugosi. Sarah Jessica Parker and Patricia Arquette as Wood's two loves are both amazing. Bill Murray is glamorously flamboyant, he steals the show every time he's on screen.
Ed Wood is an amazing film, looking at the starting point on one of film histories worst directors.