Not to be outdone by its stop-motion, autumn-released, horror-themed counterpart PARANORMAN, Tim Burton’s FRANKENWEENIE has just released eight character banners. These banners perfectly demonstrate the film’s beautiful black and white aesthetic.
FRANKENWEENIE is actually a remake of Burton’s 1984 live-action short of the same name. For all intents and purposes it is a strong homage and ‘sort of’ remake of James Whale’s FRANKENSTEIN (1931). We follow the story of young Victor Frankenstein, a boy who decides he will bring his beloved dog Sparky back to life as a science project. If you’re familiar with any of these kinds of stories, such as Burton’s EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (1991) you’ll know that the creation is soon met with fear and violence from the small community he lives in.
I think this is exactly what Burton needs in his career right now. In my opinion he’s made nothing but mediocre junk over the last decade, with the exceptions of CORPSE BRIDE (2005) and BIG FISH (2003). His last two efforts were simply painful. Here we have him visiting an old story he is obviously very comfortable with. He’s left Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter at home this time, preferring some of his older troupe such as Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara. Stop motion is also the perfect representation of his artistic skills and unique style. I also think it’s a very brave decision to give us a black and white animated movie, which perhaps shows that Burton wants to keep this a very personal project without studio interference.
FRANKENWEENIE is directed by Tim Burton and stars Charlie Tahan, Winona Ryder, Christopher Lee, Martin Short, Martin Landau, and Catherine O’Hara. It will be released on 17th October 2012.
Source: First Showing
