essay on tim burton

• Auteur Directors

What is Burtonesque — A Complete Tim Burton Style Analysis

T im Burton is a filmmaker with a style so unique that we’ve come to regard his works — and those who replicate them — as Burtonesque . And we see the Burtonesque in every facet of his films: writing, lighting, music, characters and of course, production design. We’re going to explore the Tim Burton style and his singular mise en scene with the purpose of better understanding expressive filmmaking. By the end, you might be inspired to create something equally audacious and bold.

Watch: Tim Burton Style — Set Design and Mise en scene

Subscribe for more filmmaking videos like this.

Tim Burton Style Analysis

Elements of mise en scene.

If you’re unfamiliar with the term mise en scene , don’t worry – it quite simply refers to all the elements that go into making a visual image. For more on mise en scene, here's breakdown of how directors like Stanley Kubrick have mastered the elements of film-language.

What is Mise en Scene?  •   Subscribe on YouTube

Perhaps no filmmaker knows how important mise en scene is more than Tim Burton . Mise en scene plays a huge role in creating mood (the feel of a story) and tone (the attitude of the artist). We can see the effects of expressive mise en scene everywhere in Burton’s best movies — and it’s largely responsible for how we feel about his film-worlds. Now let’s jump into Burton’s mise en scene by breaking down some of its most noteworthy elements.

Who is Tim Burton and How Does He Write?

How to write light and dark stories.

Tim Burton isn’t so much of a screenwriter as he is an idea conceptualizer. In fact, nearly all of Burton’s writing credits are for story/character conceptualization, not screenwriting.

So, what can we learn from the Tim Burton aesthetic of dreaming up film worlds? Well to understand the Tim Burton style of filmmaking and story-conceptualizing, we have to go back to the beginning.

In the early 1980s, Burton began working at Walt Disney Studios as an animator. Two years later, he directed his first official short titled Vincent — which was a sort of autobiographical ode to Edgar Allan Poe and Vincent Price.

V incent  is a foundational piece in establishing the Tim Burton art style and one of the best short films of all time . Considering this, let’s review the short film by paying special attention to detail for story conceptualization. 

Tim Burton Art Style Takes Off in Vincent

What do you think of the Tim Burton style of filmmaking here? Personally, I think Vincent is a perfect example of the best aspects of what you might call a “Tim Burton writing style.” Vincent is actually based on a poem by Burton in the style of a Vincent Price monologue . 

The content of the poem is full of things we’ve come to expect from Burton’s works; such as a focus on existential dread, ghoulish monsters, and the macabre. Although it’s somewhat impossible to do, I suggest you try to imagine Burton’s works without any visuals at all. That’s the first step in understanding all the best characteristics of Tim Burton films.

Style Tim Burton’s World

The art of contrasting design.

Naturalistic Tim Burton Set Design

The American suburbia Tim Burton aesthetic is defined by bright and bold colors, as well as 1960s architecture and cars. It stands in stark contrast to Burton’s theatrical side, which is defined by Gothic overtones and mechanical machinations and heavily inspired by German Expressionism .

Theatrical Tim Burton Set Design in Edward Scissorhands

Both sides of the “Tim Burton design style” are exaggerated — but they’re diametric to each other. I suppose it’s true that contrast is king when highlighting differences between two sets; a point proven by Edward Scissorhands . 

When thinking about ideas for designing your own sets , consider how Burton uses the naturalistic side in an ironic sense to suggest “this is where the true villainy lives.”

Tim Burton Style Analysis of Lighting

How to light a scene like burton.

Film lighting is a vitally important aspect in creating the atmosphere of a scene. Oftentimes, lighting is the difference between a visually enveloping scene and a hard-to-make-out scene.

Take a look at this shot from Tim Burton’s Batman for example: 

Burtonesque - The World of Tim Burton's Batman

To me, this shot says “this setting is alive.” It’s active — traffic signs emit red and green neon, lampshades illuminate rain-soaked streets, and Gotham citizens populate all the space in between. Now think about if this scene were lit differently — or if it were lit less. Would it feel kinetic? Or would it simply be dark and dreary? I think the answer is clear.

The World of Tim Burton’s Big Fish

What do you think of this shot? I think the bright lights communicate a dreamlike-feel and serve as a bridge between Burton’s naturalistic and theatrical perspectives. This is a set that’s grounded in reality but elevated by exaggerated lighting. All in all, it’s singularly Burton.

If you’re interested in exploring other lighting styles, check out our list on the best video lighting kits for filmmakers .

Tim Burton Style Analysis of Music

Burton and elfman — a musical pair.

Tim Burton and composer Danny Elfman have worked together on 16 films and counting. Their 30-year working career is one of the most prolific in modern cinema. Let’s take a look at the trailer for their documentary interview together and then we’ll explore how Elfman has helped to style Tim Burton and his movies with an equally specific aesthetic.

A Conversation With Danny Elfman & Tim Burton Trailer

Danny Elfman’s scores play a huge part in the success of nearly all of Tim Burton’s feature films — from the bizarro synth-sounds of Beetlejuice to the orchestral horns of Batman .

And the great thing about Elfman is that his scores are always exaggerated, and singularly unique that fits like a glove inside the Tim Burton style.

Their working relationship has proven to be a perfect match. You’ll find Elfman’s scores on many lists of the best movie scores of all time .

Tim Burton Style Analysis of Character Design

Tim burton characters are unique.

We know Tim Burton characters are unique — and not just for their own sake, they’re an essential aspect of the Tim Burton aesthetic. His characters are defined by their exaggerated features; long frizzled hair, baggy eyes, gangly limbs, etc. But the over-the-top features of these characters often serve the role of a smokescreen, hiding their innate human side.

We imported some of the best Tim Burton character designs into StudioBinder’s storyboarding software — you won’t want to miss our take on these iconic characters. Click below to download the entire collection.

Tim Burton Characters  •   Click to view the shot list

Tim burton german expressionism roots, tim burton costumes have purpose.

We also know that Tim Burton costumes are almost always showstoppers. Perhaps we should give credit to costume designer Colleen Atwood who’s worked on 12 films with Burton too. Their working relationship has produced some of the best costumes in recent cinema history, such as the costumes of Edward Scissorhands and Sweeney Todd. 

Let’s go behind the scenes of Alice in Wonderland to see Johnny Depp get into character as the Mad Hatter — “Tim Burton style."

Tim Burton Costumes Johnny Depp in Alice in Wonderland

It’s amazing to hear that there’s a historical explanation for the Mad Hatter’s well… madness. Depp says that old hatters used to use glue with mercury to keep the hats together, which sometimes caused the wearer to go mad. This is just one example of a Tim Burton costume design serving more than just an aesthetic purpose.

Tim Burton Style Analysis of Drawing

Inside the tim burton drawing style.

The “Tim Burton drawing style” is instantly recognizable. Here’s an exercise: take out a piece of paper and a pencil, close your eyes, think of a character Tim Burton would conceptualize and begin to draw it.

What does it look like? Big eyes? Crazy hair? Ghoulish features? Maybe it looks something like Burton’s concept art for Edward Scissorhands .

Tim Burton Drawing Style of Edward Scissorhands

We see this approach to detail everywhere in Burton’s works, from Frankenweenie to The Nightmare Before Christmas (which was directed by Henry Selick). Likewise, we even see some Tim Burton animation styles translate over to his live-action films, like they do here in Big Eyes .

Tim Burton Animation Blends With Live Action in Big Eyes

If you want to create a drawing style as audaciously bold and instantly recognizable as Burton has, don’t do what he’s done, do the opposite; do something in between; do what you want to see. It’s not a bad idea to imitate Burton as a practice in design, but in the end it’s essential that you create your own aesthetic. 

Related Posts

• Best Movie Directors of All Time →
• Read More: Best Movie Storyboard Examples →
• Screenwriting Software Composes Your Production →

Best Tim Burton Movies, Ranked

Now that we’ve run through a complete Tim Burton style analysis, you might be thinking “what are the best Tim Burton movies?” If that’s the case, check out our article where we rank every movie of Tim Burton’s legendary career. Can you guess which film took the top honor?

Up Next: Burton’s Films Ranked →

Showcase your vision with elegant shot lists and storyboards..

Create robust and customizable shot lists. Upload images to make storyboards and slideshows.

Learn More ➜

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Pricing & Plans
• Product Updates
• Featured On
• StudioBinder Partners
• The Ultimate Guide to Call Sheets (with FREE Call Sheet Template)
• How to Break Down a Script (with FREE Script Breakdown Sheet)
• The Only Shot List Template You Need — with Free Download
• Managing Your Film Budget Cashflow & PO Log (Free Template)
• A Better Film Crew List Template Booking Sheet
• Best Storyboard Softwares (with free Storyboard Templates)
• Movie Magic Scheduling
• Gorilla Software
• Storyboard That

A visual medium requires visual methods. Master the art of visual storytelling with our FREE video series on directing and filmmaking techniques.

We’re in a golden age of TV writing and development. More and more people are flocking to the small screen to find daily entertainment. So how can you break put from the pack and get your idea onto the small screen? We’re here to help.

• Making It: From Pre-Production to Screen
• How to Get a Film Permit — A Step-by-Step Breakdown
• How to Make a Storyboard — Ultimate Guide with Free Storyboard Templates
• VFX vs. CGI vs. SFX — Decoding the Debate
• What is a Freeze Frame — The Best Examples & Why They Work
• TV Script Format 101 — Examples of How to Format a TV Script
• 45 Facebook
• 5 Pinterest

• Entertainment
• Environment
• Information Science and Technology
• Social Issues

Home Essay Samples Entertainment Tim Burton

Analysis Of Tim Burton's Style Of Filmmaking

*minimum deadline

Cite this Essay

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below

• The Green Mile
• Classical Music
• Citizen Kane

Related Essays

Need writing help?

You can always rely on us no matter what type of paper you need

*No hidden charges

100% Unique Essays

Absolutely Confidential

Money Back Guarantee

By clicking “Send Essay”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement. We will occasionally send you account related emails

You can also get a UNIQUE essay on this or any other topic

Thank you! We’ll contact you as soon as possible.

• Arts & Photography
• Performing Arts

Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime Try Prime and start saving today with fast, free delivery

Amazon Prime includes:

Fast, FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button.

• Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
• Unlimited Free Two-Day Delivery
• Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
• A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
• Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
• Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access

Important:  Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.

Buy new: .savingPriceOverride { color:#CC0C39!important; font-weight: 300!important; } .reinventMobileHeaderPrice { font-weight: 400; } #apex_offerDisplay_mobile_feature_div .reinventPriceSavingsPercentageMargin, #apex_offerDisplay_mobile_feature_div .reinventPricePriceToPayMargin { margin-right: 4px; } $29.95 $ 29 . 95 FREE delivery Monday, June 3 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35 Ships from: Amazon.com Sold by: Amazon.com

Return this item for free.

Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges

• Go to your orders and start the return
• Select the return method

Save with Used - Very Good .savingPriceOverride { color:#CC0C39!important; font-weight: 300!important; } .reinventMobileHeaderPrice { font-weight: 400; } #apex_offerDisplay_mobile_feature_div .reinventPriceSavingsPercentageMargin, #apex_offerDisplay_mobile_feature_div .reinventPricePriceToPayMargin { margin-right: 4px; } $12.70 $ 12 . 70 $3.99 delivery June 3 - 7 Ships from: HPB Inc. Sold by: HPB Inc.

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required .

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

Follow the author

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Tim Burton: Essays on the Films Paperback – January 12, 2016

Purchase options and add-ons.

Since his early days at Disney, Tim Burton has shown a unique talent and vision. His writing and directing credits range from big-budget features such as Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992), to the comically grisly The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) and Corpse Bride (2005), to the twisted fairy tale Edward Scissorhands (1990), to literary adaptations like Big Fish (2003), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) and Sweeney Todd (2007). Though his name has become synonymous with the macabre and the odd, Burton's films often reveal and champion the flawed human in us all.

This collection of new essays brings together scholarship on many of his popular films, adaptations, and innovations in stop-motion animation and his collaborative relationship with actor Johnny Depp, providing an in-depth exploration of one of the most prominent figures on the pop culture landscape in recent decades.

• Print length 256 pages
• Language English
• Publisher McFarland & Company
• Publication date January 12, 2016
• Reading age 18 years and up
• Dimensions 6 x 0.51 x 9 inches
• ISBN-10 0786498005
• ISBN-13 978-0786498000
• See all details

Customers who viewed this item also viewed

Editorial Reviews

About the author, product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ McFarland & Company (January 12, 2016)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0786498005
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0786498000
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 18 years and up
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.6 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.51 x 9 inches
• #621 in Individual Directors
• #2,379 in Art of Film & Video
• #5,012 in Movie History & Criticism

About the author

Johnson cheu.

Johnson Cheu is the editor of three books on film. In addition to scholarly articles, he also writes and publishes essays and poetry.

Customer reviews

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

No customer reviews

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Become an Amazon Hub Partner
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

Home / Essay Samples / Entertainment / Movies / Tim Burton

Tim Burton Essay Examples

Tim burton’s use of cinematic techniques to influence the audience.

Tim Burton, a creator of gothic fiction, can make an audience feel discomfort, suspense or happiness. Most times it’s all in one. He can exaggerate lighting and music to create a tone, of either fantasy or gothic. He uses different techniques to reach a certain...

Analysis of the Key Features of Tim Burton’s Movies

Tim Burton is known for his fascination with the dark aspects of life and the human psyche. In his movies which are appealing to a wide audience, young and adult, one can notice the enormous impact, that his childhood days in suburban Burbank had on...

Representation of Tim Burton’s Messages and Values in His Films

In this essay I will be investigating how Tim Burton’s messages and values are represented through the style of his films by looking at five of his films: Edward Scissorhands (1990), Sweeney Todd (2007) Beetlejuice (1988), Alice in Wonderland (2010) and Frankenweenie (2012). Messages and...

Tim Burton and Style of His Films

Tim Burton was born on August 25th, 1958 in Burbank California. As a child, he was very interested in horror films, as we can see in the movies he has created. Burton majored in animation at the California Institution of Arts. He quickly started working...

Analysis of Tim Burton’s Style of Filming

“I like weird people… The black sheep, the odd ducks, the rejects, eccentrics, the loners, lost and forgotten. More often than not, these people have the most beautiful souls. ” - Unknown Author. The famed Tim Burton is a movie director who has made significant...

Analysis of Film Elements and Their Role in Edward Scissorhands

Edward Scissorhands is written by Tim Burton who is also famous for Beetlejuice and many more. Edward Scissorhands is a movie of a young man is machine turned and pulled from the comfort of his isolated mansion into the world of the local suburbia. Edward...

Film Techniques to Convey the Main Message in Edward Scissorhands

Edward Scissorhands directed by Tim Burton was set in an impossibly utopian suburb in 1990. An elderly inventor builds an animated human being - the kind and benign Edward Scissorhands. However, the scientist dies right before he can finish assembling Edward, leaving him with long...

Trying to find an excellent essay sample but no results?

Don’t waste your time and get a professional writer to help!

You may also like

• The Blind Side
• 12 Angry Men
• In Pursuit of Happiness
• Forrest Gump
• The Maze Runner
• Do The Right Thing
• Boys and Girls Essays
• Children of Men Essays
• Fast Fashion Essays
• Freedom Writers Essays
• Bridge Essays
• Boyz N The Hood Essays
• The Hunger Games Essays
• Jasper Jones Essays
• Film Analysis Essays
• Film Editing Essays

samplius.com uses cookies to offer you the best service possible.By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .--> -->