In 1993, audiences of all types were captivated by the magic of the first feature-length stop-motion movie, The Nightmare Before Christmas. This creepy yet heartfelt alternative fairytale has since become both a cinematic milestone as well as an essential watch for moviegoers the world over.
The brain behind the production belongs to Tim Burton, the 47-year-old director/writer/producer whose work has become legendary.
Burton, whose name is now a hallmark for films such as James and the Giant Peach, Edward Scissorhands, Batman Returns and Big Fish, has returned to his own special brand of filmmaking in his newest production Corpse Bride.
An elaboration of an old Russian folktale, Corpse Bride is the story of Victor Van Dort, brought to life by the voice talent of Johnny Depp, whom you remember most recently as Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Victor unwittingly marries himself to a dead woman while practicing his wedding vows in the woods, and drama ensues. When Victor, who had already been betrothed to the still-living Victoria Everglot (Emily Watson, Red Dragon), is taken to the world of the dead by his new bride, Emily (Helena Bonham Carter, Big Fish), he must find a way to return to his own world and to set things right.
Those who are already intimately acquainted with Burton’s work will not be disappointed with Corpse Bride. Burton, the master of atmosphere, once again crafts a dark, beautiful dream world as the stage on which his characters reside. He has also brought back Danny Elfman, whose work you remember from the Spiderman movies, Men in Black and, of course, Nightmare Before Christmas, to donate some voice talent as well as to compose the score for Corpse Bride.
Although Burton does extend and expound on the original Russian tale, overall he is faithful to the original story, including its ending for the most part – you can read the Russian story at www.corpsebridefansite.com/the-folktale.asp. Burton cares deeply for his stories, and his diligence is reflected in the quality of his production. The voice talents in Corpse Bride all deliver impeccable performances, and the physical craftsmanship of the sets and characters is incredibly impressive.
Ultimately, Corpse Bride can boast a strong story built on sympathetic and dynamic character.
Of course, for many people, the inherent difficulty with enjoying Corpse Bride will be their prior love for its predecessor, Nightmare Before Christmas. Nightmare was the first of its kind.
It was brilliantly made and skillfully written. Practice, however, makes perfect, as they say, and Burton has had over a decade in which to practice his moviemaking skills. If you screen Corpse Bride with an unassuming and open mind, you will be able to see it for what it is – better than you expected.
While the setting and premise of Corpse Bride are blatantly fantastic, the dilemma of the movie is very real. A good man is torn between two worlds, and two good women find themselves in a competition with each other that neither would have entered intentionally.
By the end of the film, you do not know which bride you would prefer to have the groom – both ladies are equally worthy (except one of them happens to be dead). Taking his cue from the Russians, Burton concludes his tale with an ending that is happy for everyone.
Corpse Bride is rated PG for some stressful situations and frightening images.
It is currently playing at Carmike 14 in Johnson City and at Marquee Cinemas inside the Fort Henry Mall in Kingsport.

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