Clip Analysis of Edward Scissorhands

Clip Analysis of Edward Scissorhands

  • Submitted By: v25990
  • Date Submitted: 03/18/2012 5:06 AM
  • Category: Biographies
  • Words: 1697
  • Page: 7
  • Views: 444

Clip Analysis of Edward Scissorhands
The clip presented comes at the beginning of the film Edward Scissorhands (Burton, 1990), and presents the main protagonist of the story to the audience and the character Peg. A brief synopsis of the clip will be presented, followed by an analysis of the technical procedures implemented and the effects these may have had on an audience. Possible creative influences shall also be explored and how these are evident in the clip. Focus will be made on Gothic Fiction, the Fairytale and German Expressionism.
The clip begins with a lady driving towards a hill rising out of the middle of a suburban landscape. The lady ventures up the hill to a house. At the top is a dilapidated, Gothic mansion and a secluded inner garden that is perfectly manicured. The lady is carrying a briefcase and enters the house looking for the occupant. She introduces herself as Peg, an Avon representative. At the top of the house she finds an attic that shows signs of occupation and the inhabitant emerges from the shadows. He is pale, strange looking and has scissors for hands. This is the audience’s introduction to the title character, Edward Scissorhands.
The first establishing shot of the clip featured introduces the location of the clip. The hill is grey and almost looks as if it is a dark cloud looming on the horizon above the suburb. It stands in direct contrast to the colourfulness of the suburb and blue sky around it. The few white clouds in the sky appear perfect and white; they have an almost cartoon-like quality. Presenting these contrasts aids in exaggerating the gothic look of the hill. The symbolism of a dark cloud on the horizon may also have an effect on the audience, putting them on edge.
As the car comes to the end of the road we get a shot of it through trees that look stripped of their branches. This along with the lack of colour gives the audience the impression of death and decay. The end of the road is a circle and the purpose of...

Similar Essays