A sublime fable of love and humanity

Rating: 10/10 (13 September 2012)

Edward Scissorhands is a film that begins on a seemingly light note and turns into one of the most beautiful, profoundly moving films that I've seen. The production, direction, writing, and acting are all top-notch, and it all comes together perfectly to tell a simple but perfect story that comments on love, humanity, and modern society. The film beautifully distills such elements of isolation, longing, loss, loneliness, and nostalgia of the human experience, as well as the joy, love, compassion, humor, warmth, and kinship that make life so rich.
The story is a simple tale of Edward (Johnny Depp), a man who is less a social outcast than simply a forgotten orphan. He lives alone in a decrepit castle on a hill overlooking a cookie- cutter suburban neighborhood, filled with pastel homes and cars, perfectly manicured lawns, and gossipy housewives. When Peg (Dianne Wiest) pays him a visit and has him move in with her neighborhood, family, and life are affected in both touching and tragic ways.
The entire look of the film contributes to its fable-like feel, and the pastel color palette combines with its simple but vivid characters and plot to create an a unique but universal emotional power. The performances are integral to the film's success. Depp is a wonder as Edward, conveying his loneliness, joy, creative ambition, fear, and confusion with his new world in an incredibly endearing and moving way. Wiest is the other standout in the solid cast. She underscores the utter sincerity at the root of Peg's compassion, understanding, and kindness, and her love and concerns for both Edward and her own family are amplified as a result.
Edward Scissorhands is a wonderful, touching film that explores the complexities of life and human relationships in an insightful, unique, and highly affecting way. It's one of a kind, and probably Tim Burton's best. Great film.