Tim Burton

Who would have guessed that a draughtsman at Disney Studios, toiling away to make his animated drawings for The Fox and the Hound as ‘cute’ as he possibly could, would become one of the great discoveries of contemporary cinema?

Tim Burton, creator of Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, the Batman series, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride and Alice in Wonderland, among others, has succeeded in bringing some of the bestloved figures of recent American cinema into his personal orbit. His eccentric vision has proved itself compatible with responsibility for today’s massive Hollywood budgets, a paradox that underlies all his films. He is one of the few Hollywood directors who appeals to all audiences, from teenagers to film critics, from movie buffs to the most cerebral artists.

This film-by-film exploration of Burton’s work is illustrated with photographs taken on set and stills from the films themselves, as well as with drawings that offer the reader insight into Burton’s magical, colourful world.

About the Author

Antoine de Baecque is a major writer, film critic and professor. He was Editor-in-Chief of Cahiers du Cinéma (1997–9) and the culture section of Libération (2001–6). Former director of the film museum at Cinémathèque française (1999–2001), he is also the author of numerous books on cinema and film directors, including titles on Truffaut, Pialat and Godard.