Ed Wood [M]

When it came to making bad movies, Ed Wood was the best. Struggling through Hollywood show business with mainstream success constantly eluding him, this is the story of a persistent soul with eye for talent and a heart of gold. 

Based on the life of writer/producer/actor/director, Edward D. Wood Jr., this wonderful black and white film by my favourite director/producer, Tim Burton, is filled with familiar faces, memorable characters, a haunting soundtrack, and an engaging story. It’s a wonderful, wonderful film. 

When it came to making bad movies, Ed Wood was the best. Despite financial struggles, general lack of interest, and mainstream success constantly eluding him, Ed Wood never gave up on a vision. With eccentric friends behind him, he continued to write, direct, and produce films until the very end. This is his story. 

One of my all-time favourite Tim Burton movies, Ed Wood is a classic tribute to the golden days of B grade sci-fi horror films. Filmed in black and white, the movie tells the story of not-quite Hollywood director Edward D. Wood Jr., a filmmaker whose B grade, low-budget movies have become cult in this day and age. 

Being a lover of music, I have to draw attention the to the wonderful soundtrack that the film has. Unlike most Tim Burton movies, the soundtrack was not done by Danny Elfman but in fact Howard Shore who brought us the beautiful soundtracks from The Lord of the Rings movies. Although most the soundtrack’s songs are original compositions, if you listen very carefully you can hear Doris Day’s Que Sera Sera and the theme from the ballet Swan Lake. It’s an absolutely haunting and enchanting soundtrack. 

Johnny Depp stars as the misunderstood genius himself and I ask you, is there any actor greater than Johnny Depp? One of the most versatile and genuinely talented actors I’ve ever seen, he is without a doubt my favourite leading man. In this movie he was charming, daring, and completely sincere. He was an absolute delight to watch on screen. 

Martin Landau plays famous horror actor Bela Lugosi. Absolute genius! He won the Academy Award of Best Supporting Actor for this film, and rightly so! His performance was dramatic, comedic, tragic, and simply beautiful. It’s a very special thing when actors play other actors, it creates a curiosity about the films of these other actors and, therefore, broadens the minds of a younger generation. Seriously, after being entranced by Martin’s performance in this film, I now have a burning desire to rush into work and rent out Bela Lugosi’s Dracula. 

Starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Lisa Marie, Jeffrey Jones, Patricia Arquette, George Steele, Juliet Landau, and Bill Murray, Ed Wood is a fantastic film filled with science fiction, romance, horror, cross-dressing, spellbinding performances, comedy, and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. A must-see for any Tim Burton or Johnny Depp fan!!! I love it!!!