Enter a world that falls somewhere between a dream state and the curtain folds of a cinema, where imagination somehow manifests itself into surreality. It’s all happening down at Fed Square, as ACMI hosts Tim Burton: The Exhibition, a tribute to the mastermind artist and filmmaker which invites you to follow his career from its beginnings to the box office today.
The exhibition takes you through Burton’s early work as a student, where you get a taste of his creativity and humour, expressed through drawings, limericks and cartoons. It is evident, from his early work, that he was destined to make some of the most progressive animated features and films of our time.
To see the collection of unpublished drawings and non-theatrical releases of short films was like stumbling upon a naughty treasure trove of new and exciting material.
His trademark of creating creature-based characters and out-of-this-world human beings is a consistent theme throughout his work. Burton’s unconventional storytelling style appeals to a wide audience but particularly to those who have an appreciation for his slightly dark and quirky sense of humour. The artwork on show is visually stunning.
The exhibition showcases his unique take on Hansel and Gretel, one of his first unreleased films. You can also examine the details of Johnny Depp’s Edward Scissorhands costume up close, and marvel at the skin-tight Catwoman outfit Michelle Pfeiffer had to squeeze into in Batman. Several film props and models from his blockbuster films adorn the gallery, transforming the space into a scene reminiscent of The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Vincent, Burton’s first short animated film, is a real highlight. I found myself giggling at the Dr Seussian flavour of the piece. It combines the eeriness of Edgar Allan Poe with the sophistication of Vincent Price – an unlikely but rich combination.
Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of Burton’s creations is the light-hearted, never-offensive humour and wit behind the dark, ghoulish and often misunderstood characters. The human element ever-present in Tim Burton’s work is what makes it so appealing to anyone wanting to indulge in a bit of nightmaring.
I was completely lost in another world for almost two hours, and there is no doubt in my mind, after seeing this exhibition, that Tim Burton is a creative genius.
