E.T. lands in Frankenweenie (cinematheque)

Rating: 10/10 (21 May 2012)

My final movie of Tim at the Cinematheque is maybe is best: As "Nightmare", it results from the collision of two impossible ideas: here, suburbs and fairy tale. The mix is simply funny and deeply romantic as well.
The suburban life is indeed the trademark of all the great American filmmakers and all the ones that I like (Tim, Spielberg and Lynch) have the same desire to blow up the boring, calm, peaceful life there. The concept of bored housewives is maybe born here and Tim illustrates it with many characters and outstanding visual concept: the pastel pavilions, the dancing cars, the garden!
Strangely, the mess inside comes here not from Poltergeist, lost extraterrestrial or lodge spirits but about welcoming a new neighbor. This first collaboration with Depp is maybe his best because as a bit introvert person, he fits the character like a glove. The second collaboration with Wynona is excellent as well: I prefer her in black but it's funny to learn that blonde is her real color. Her family is a bit particular but they are very tolerant and heart giving and it's a good lesson for today world where our neighbors have become totally strangers. The ice of the cake is the beautiful romance that arises as well and the ice dance is a perfect moment of fairy tale that even Disney never has match. Danny's score sublimates the emotion of the moment and his entire soundtrack is the ultimate proof of the genius of the little maestro and it's really a shame that he never has won so far an Oscar.
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Now that my run at the Cinematheque is over and that I have seen 12 Spielberg's movies and as much of Tim, i can try a comparison between those two: For me, Steven is ahead of Tim because he is most versatile and above all, he is a better storyteller (with a great eye for the camera) and thus can bring big emotions. The biggest lacking of Tim is the persistent use of the same cast: when it's Jeffrey Jones, Micheal Keaton, Wynona or Lisa-Marie, it's good but the pairing of the two introvert Depp and Bonham is just boring and the list of movies that they killed becomes long. Tim's assets are that he has a more artistic side than Steven's and he is above all more open to women. In relationships, romances or strong woman characters, Steven is very shy and a bit cold. Now, if cinematheque should start a new cycle, i would vote for Coppola so wait and see!