'I got no sleep, and I feel great!'

Rating: 8/10 (3 April 2020)

After having completed post-production on a documentary Tim directed interviewing Vincent Price on the set of Edward Scissorhands (I've tried so hard to find it; it's a lost document) he began production on a biopic of Edward D. Wood Jr., most fondly remembered as being at the helm of sci-fi cult b-movie classic Plan 9 From Outer Space (1959) and getting a reputation for being the 'worst filmmaker of all time'. It mainly focuses on the making of Ed's debut feature Glen Or Glenda (1953), Bride Of The Monster (1955), his friendship with legendary horror star Bela Lugosi and most entertainingly, his strong passion for filmmaking that wouldn't be diminished no matter what came his way. It was the perfect continuation of Depp and Burton's strong partnership, confirming them as one of the best double acts in cinema today. Martin Landau garnered much attention for his role as Lugosi and for very good reason; he is REALLY good! He captures the physical presence very well but also provides the melancholic backbone of the story along with Ed's desire to become a master. It features cool supporting performances from Sarah Jessica Parker and Bill Murray; also Patricia Arquette as Kathy who is great and accompanies Ed in his eternal optimism, the best and most inspiring quality of the story I think! It also marks Tim's first collaboration with Lisa Marie (here playing the sexy Vampira) and so began their relationship for 9 years! She was the inspiration for a lot of his artwork during this period including the look for Sally in The Nightmare Before Christmas. There are laugh out loud funny moments (my favourite when matey tries to get through a set door, completely missing it and scaring the hell out of Bela and the crew surrounding) and re-enactments of some 'so bad it's good' acting in Wood's films that is a real talent in itself for the cast here to make work. Ed Wood fittingly continues his legacy through a wonderful script by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski and dedicated performances