When one thinks of the writer, director, producer, animator, and overall cinematic visionary Tim Burton, what words come to mind? Dark? Mysterious? Fantastic? Twisted? Magical?All of those words would be correct. Burton has created not only his own style, but essentially his own genre. "Burtonesque" movies have become so distinct, in fact, that just by watching the new trailer for Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children (in theaters on September 30), we can immediately tell it's a Burton production.
It's filled with whimsy, riddles, and miraculous children. Through the years, Burton has created almost two dozen movies that encapsulate both the viewer's wildest dreams and their wildest nightmares.
Let's revisit some of his most dazzling creations.
Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (1985)
Pee-Wee Herman's love of his life is his bike. After it is stolen, he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime to get it back. Only Burton could successful make viewers feel intrigued, and a bit put off, by Herman's quirky antics as an extremely childlike man.
Beetlejuice (1988)
The standout scene from this haunted comedy is the possessed dinner party taken over by Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), proving ghosts can have a sense of humor, too.
Batman (1989)
Burton masterfully proved that the combination of Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson could be frightening and hilarious at the same time.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Scissors have never looked sweeter than in this classic tale of unexpected love. Johnny Depp woos, even with facial scars, manic hair, and clippers for hands.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
The fantastic and slightly hellish world of Jack Skellington is shaken when he stumbles upon a world full of happiness, cheer, and the jolly king himself, Santa Claus. And he also gave us a few wonderful songs.
James & The Giant Peach (1996)
Personally, I felt that this was one of the most terrifying children's book adaptions ever made. But looking back, it's just wonderfully dark and full of surprisingly dynamic insects.
Corpse Bride (2005)
Heavily influenced by his earlier The Nightmare Before Christmas, this gothic romance seems like it would be a children's movie, but it is so much more.
Charlie & The Chocolate Factory (2005)
Johnny Depp is eerily perfect for Willy Wonka, proving that although Burton does seem to favor certain actors, it works.
Alice in Wonderland (2010)
Seeing Wonderland through Burton's cinematic kaleidoscope resulted in a vibrant world even more magical than we could have dreamed.
Sweeney Todd (2007)
A madman seeks revenge on a crooked judge in the movie version of this classic Sondheim production that only Burton could pull off.
Dark Shadows (2012)
A remake of the television show of the same name, Burton places a vengeful vampire (Depp) in the 1970s — a time of disco, rebellion, and apparently, lots of sorcery.
Frankenweenie (2012)
A childish take on the Frankenstein story, Burton deals with the topic of death in a very clever way. The film is entirely in black and white, giving it have that classic horror movie vibe.
Alice Through The Looking Glass (2016)
Somehow, Burton makes Wonderland look even more mesmerizing in this trailer for his sequel. The movie is due out in early summer of 2016.
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children(2016)
In Burton's latest creation, he reimagines the best-selling novel of the same name. In the newly released trailer, he adds dazzling visuals and a haunting song to complete the Burtonesque experience.
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