When a new Tim Burton is released, the first question asked is whether or not Johnny Depp is part of the film. Similarly, when a film starring Depp is released, the first question asked is whether or not Burton is the director.
Tim Burton and Johnny Depp have worked together on seven films over a 20 year period. In the last few years, there have been more films and more collaboration between the two, ranging over several genres including animation, dark comedies and fantasy films.
One may argue that Depp and Burton are the perfect fit for one another, as Burton’s characters often embody the characteristics of societal misfits and outcasts who are scarred by their emotional and psychological torments. Depp is known for his outrageous choices in roles, often taking on projects that require the utmost stretch of the imagination, but staying with characters that embody human feelings and emotions to try and overlap the two very distinct personalities.
Burton and Depp Collaborations
Fans will be happy to hear that more Burton and Depp collaborations are scheduled for production for 2011. The most popular collaborations between the two include Edward Scissorhands from 1990, where Depp plays Edward, a sweet-hearted "Frankenstein"-like creation of an old inventor. The creator dies before finishing Edward - and the creature is left without hands. Edward attaches scissors, making him an eerie and horrific sight for the citizens of the small town located nearby. Although he tries to adapt to middle-class society, Edward finds the real world to be too overwhelming, leaving him an unsaved misfit.
Several years later, in 1999, Burton and Depp teamed up again for the fantasy horror film, Sleepy Hollow, with Christopher Walken and Christina Ricci. Depp once again takes on the role of an outcast, portraying a doctor sent to investigate murders where victims are left decapitated. Although he plays a rather ordinary character, it is the supporting cast that portrays rather odd individuals, resulting in Depp’s character to stand out.
Just six years later, Depp landed the role of Willy Wonka in Burton’s adaptation of the famous children’s film, Charlie and the Chocolate Film. Portraying a rather eccentric and odd candy maker, Depp had the opportunity to let out his inner child by combing humorous expressions, childish behaviour and refuse adulterous behaviour and rules in the factory as Willy Wonka. Again, Depp portrays Wonka as an outcast of societal standards, but does so with emotions, portraying a hurt man with a child inside just waiting to explode.
Following his humourous portrayal of Wonka come his horrific character of Sweeney Todd, a demon and murderous barber. Once again, Depp plays an outcast who has lost everything he once treasured. Taken from him by a wealthy business man, Todd swears revenge by killing citizens in hopes of getting his final revenge. Todd not only kills for revenge, but as a means of releasing all of his built up anger, showing emotional and psychological damages.
Finally, this year Alice in Wonderland was released. Based on the popular tale by Lewis Carroll, Depp fulfills the role of The Mad Hatter and does so splendidly. Depp has eagerly publicized that he would have played Alice if Burton had asked him, simply to work with him once again. Their professional partnership has lead to decades of collaborations with more in the words. Making different character that highlights Depp’s specialties as an actor is most likely one of the main reasons why Depp keeps returning to Burton’s unusual and odd film adaptations.
A Continuous Successful Relationship
During a recent interview with MetroNews, Depp explained that he does not feel pressure when working with Burton in terms of satisfying his audience. The pressure for him, he explains, lies in surprising and satisfying Burton rather than the public. Depp admits that he works harder during the first couple of months of production in hopes of giving Burton something new and exciting yet to be seen.
It is also the freedom that Burton gives Depp that keeps him coming back. It is the freedom to add a certain personality and depth to the characters, essentially making them his own, that brings joy and satisfaction to Depp. He is able to portray not only a misfit, but do so by adding his own story, emotions and depth to the characters, rather than just portraying a non-sense character, bouncing off the walls.
Depp admits that the early roles, such as Edward Scissorhands, could have been damaging for his career if it had been a flop. Lucky for Depp, it is exactly roles like this one that played a large part in establishing his career as a very diverse and distinguished actor.
Malene Soegaard - Malene spends her life analyzing fashion and movies. She operates two print magazines and is a published author.
