A fun and tender biopic of 'Hollywood's Worst Director'

Rating: 9/10 (29 December 2019)

This film tells the story of Edward D. Wood Jr; the man often described as the maker of the worst film in history. What Ed lacks in film making ability he makes up for with enthusiasm. When he can persuade anybody to let him make a film he works fast; never worrying about more than one take and shooting numerous scenes each day. As well as seeing his film making and attempts to get funding, we see insights into his relationships with two woman and his professional relationship with fading horror star Bela Lugosi.
This film could easily have been very mocking of Wood but director Tim Burton treats him with respect. Wood might not have been a good film maker but he strived to be and thought he was. He was also a transvestite in an era that such behaviour was considered a perversion but even this is shown in a matter of fact way leaving those who don't approve, excluding the girlfriend whose clothes he borrowed, looking more laughable than him. There is also a tenderness about his friendship with Lugosi. The cast does a fine job; most notably Johnny Depp who is on great form as Wood and Martin Landau who picked up an Oscar for his performance as Lugosi. Burton's decision to film in black & white works as it fits in with the films Wood was making. Overall I'd say this is a must see for fans of Burton and Depp... it even left me wanting to watch 'worst film ever' 'Plan 9 from Outer Space' again!