I just
finished watching Dark Shadows, a film by Tim Burton. As you would expect
from any Burton film, Dark Shadows stars Johnny Depp, as well as Burton's long
time love Helena Bonham Carter (Les Miserables' Madama Thenardier). The
cast also has Michelle Pfieffer (Batman Return's Catwoman) and Jackie Earle
Haley (Watchmen's Rorschach). So needless to say, this cast has a long
history of very deep and sophisticated character acting; and with respects to
Dark Shadows, did not disappoint. Now, I feel it necessary at this
junction to point out that I am an interesting Tim Burton fan. For me
Burton has always been hit or miss and never in-between. I like Edward
Scissorhands and the original Batmans. I also like Beetlejuice and The
Nightmare Before Christmas, and let's not forget since I already wrote about
it, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (producer). Having said all this some
of his films I don't enjoy so much are the new Alice in Wonderland, 9 and
Sweeney Todd. To me Burton either captures my attention and intrigues me,
or he pushes me away with boredom. No offense Mr. Burton, I'm assuming
you are reading this (more like hoping). As for Dark Shadows, I would put this film in with the like group. In fact I would put it in the "very much" like group. This film was very well done; the cinematography is stunning in many sequences, as well as all the make-up and special effects. Usually, I don't like over the top special effects, I find them cheesy, but in this film they were a lot more subtle putting me in a state of ease instead of a critical mess. Literally, I was blown away with how much I enjoyed this film. Mission accomplished Mr. Burton, my mind was officially blown. BOOM!!
This story follows Depp who plays a vampire named Barnabus Collins, who has recently returned from a 200 year imprisonment in a coffin to the 1970's where he clearly does not fit in, nor recognize anything. Barnabus finds his distant relatives living in his former estate, and begins a relationship with them to reclaim his family's legacy. Unbeknownst to him, he finds himself living the same story he left 200 years prior except in a new time period- the 1970's.
The full circle of this story is engaging even though it is predictable. From the moment you first see his downfall and the antagonist to his protagonist, Anjelique Bouchard (Eva Green -Casino Royale) in the 70's you know exactly what is going to play out; sometimes this technique works, sometimes it bites you in the proverbial buns; in the case of Dark Shadows, it works. Even though I knew how the story would finally unfold, I didn't feel cheated, instead I was captivated by the path the story followed to reveal its known ending.
One of the aspects of the story I really enjoyed was the opening sequence (about 15 minutes) where the story shows the historical happenings which lead to the "future" happenings the film follows. Those first 15 or so minutes really helped pave the way for the rest of the story, and gave a nice flash back feel to the overall film.
Despite what the previews and commercials may lead you to believe, this film was a classic Tim Burton dark comedy. For the most part the story was meant to be serious, with few comedic reliefs thrown in by Depp, usually out of his ignorance to the 20th century. One of the funniest lines was when he referred to the rock icon Alice Cooper as "Miss Cooper" and mentioned she was the ugliest woman he has ever seen.
Overall I was very impressed by this film on all accounts: acting, cinematography, make-up, story, special effects. I would recommend this film, maybe not for those of a younger age group as to the fact there is some blood and gore, and sexual sequences. However, for those of you in a more mature age group, I feel strongly that this film will entertain rather then disappoint.
Final Words: By all means go and Red Box it, or catch it on T.V. Who knows, some of you may even purchase this film and add it to your collection, it wouldn't be the worst purchase.
Until next time, happy viewing!
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