I've been on a kick watching a certain director's movies in order, over the course of a few weeks. Recently, I completed the filmography of Tim Burton, and it was a blast. Burton is so whimsical and also so macabre. His movies span all sorts of different emotions and ideas, and even sizes. There's so much to learn from him and his movies. Here are 10 directing lessons we can draw from his work, along with examples from his films. Let's dive in. 10 Directing Lessons You Can Get From Tim Burton1. Embrace the Outsider Perspective Tim Burton's films often celebrate characters on the fringe of society. They are misfits, dreamers, and those who see the world differently. Those characterizations really pull the audience in and get us to care in fun ways. Example: Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice, Lydia Deetz2. Visual Storytelling is ParamountI can't tell you how often I'm trying to encourage people to amp up their visual storytelling. Burton's signature style is as important as his written words. Pay attention to set design, lighting, costumes, and camera angles to create mood and atmosphere.Example: The gothic cityscape of Gotham in Batman, the twisted trees and landscapes of Sleepy Hollow, the vibrant underworld in The Nightmare Before Christmas.3. Don't Shy Away from the Dark and WhimsicalBurton blends the macabre with humor and a sense of childlike wonder. This contrast is essential to his unique style and also in bringing in outsiders. He has an audience he plays to, but he finds...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Friday, 19 April