Frankenweenie is the epitome of Burton’s creative and unique, dark style. This beautifully filmed black and white movie follows the story of 10-year-old Victor Frankenstein. Victor (Charlie Tahan) lives in a seemingly perfect little suburb of New Holland with his parents (Catherine OʼHara, Martin Short) and his dog Sparky. Sparky, Victor’s only true friend, gets tragically hit by a car, leaving Victor confused and shocked by the unrealistic effects of experiencing the death of a loved one.
After Sparky’s death, Victor quickly slips away from his daily routine and into a noticeable depression. On another note, the new science teacher, Mr. Rzykruski, teaches Victorʼs class about the many new and frowned-upon topics in their conservative small town, such as muscle reactions to electricity. After Mr. Rsykruskiʼs fascinating lecture, Victor figures out just how he will be able to bring Sparky back to life. From here, I assume you can figure out just what Victor plans to do to Sparky. However, such expectations quickly change, and the seemingly odd film only gets more queer and peculiar.
Frankenweenie is not your average animated feature; it is most likely too weird for most children or for the average movie-goer at that. The film, shot completely in black and white, complements the ongoing ominous feel of the town of New Holland and its citizens.
Frankenweenie is an elaboration of Burton’s original short film created in 1984 while he was an animator at Disney. Legend has it that Burton was fired from Disney because he showed Frankenweenie to his superiors along with his other works and interest in darker themes. Twenty-eight years ago, Disney hated such ideas and fired the genius for it. Ironically, today, Frankenweenie has become a major release for Walt Disney Pictures.
If you are not aware, Frankenweenie has an ominous relation to the classic Frankenstein story and is complete with the addition of various other subplots that pay homage to classic horror films of an earlier era. The unique style of stop motion animation is in full effect throughout Frankenweenie, adding to the overall mysterious feel of the film and “Burtonesque” visuals from start to end.
Tim Burtonʼs style, like in that of Frankenweenie, is truly an acquired taste with many important messages to our modern society– a unique artistry in animation that ties to movie history. Being weird and heartwarming at the same time, Disney and Burtonʼs Frankenweenie is a marvelous film that could feel more like a piece of art rather than a blockbuster favorite like many films today.
From die-hard Burton fans to people who appreciate the history of the horror genre, admire the artistry of stop motion animation, or just desire to see an incomparable film, Frankenweenie is definitely not one to miss.
4 OUT OF 5 SHAMROCKS!
