1. Tim Burton Analytical Essay
English 9
Perry High School

2. Prompt
Write an essay ANALYZING the cinematic style of director Tim Burton. Focus on the ways in which the director uses stylistic techniques across films to achieve his argument on the anti-hero’s role in society.

3. Prepare What is an anti-hero?
How do Burton’s characters exemplify the concept of the anti-hero?
According to Tim Burton, what is the role of the anti- hero in society?

4. Writing Effective Analytical Statements
English 9
Perry High School

5. WWH Statements
Purpose of
Cinematic
Element
WWH set is for analysis essays when analyzing an author’s (OR director’s) argument or purpose.
W: What cinematic technique is Burton using?
W: Where is cinematic technique being used? (compare to textual evidence)
H: How does Burton use this cinematic technique effectively in order to further his message about the anti-hero?
Analytical
Triangle
Example of
Cinematic
Element
Effect of
Cinematic
Choice

6. Tim Burton Cinematic analysis: CHARLIE and the choc. factory
Tim Burton, in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, uses (cinematic element) in order to (achieve what purpose). For example, (insert example from the movie here). Therefore, (explain the effect the example has on the viewer.)

7. Tim Burton Cinematic analysis: Charlie and the choc. factory
In Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Tim Burton uses a high camera angle in order to highlight the vulnerability of a character.

8. Tim Burton Cinematic analysis: Charlie and the choc. factory
In Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Tim Burton uses a high camera angle in order to highlight the vulnerability of a character. For example, when Charlie is introduced in the beginning of the film, a high angle is used to make him look small and insignificant.

9. Tim Burton Cinematic analysis: Charlie and the choc. factory
In Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Tim Burton uses a high camera angle in order to highlight the vulnerability of a character. For example, when Charlie is introduced in the beginning of the film, a high angle is used to make him look small and insignificant. This high camera angle reinforces the fact that Charlie is a rather small child and not a characteristic of a hero, but an anti-hero. W H

10. Tim Burton Cinematic analysis: Edward scissorhands
Tim Burton, in Edward Scissorhands, uses (cinematic element) in order to (achieve what purpose). For example, (insert example from the movie here). Therefore, (explain the effect the example has on the viewer.)

11. Tim Burton Cinematic analysis: Edward scissorhands
Tim Burton, in Edward Scissorhands, uses a low camera angle in order to portray characters as bigger than they really are.

12. Tim Burton Cinematic analysis: Edward scissorhands
Tim Burton, in Edward Scissorhands, uses a low camera angle in order to portray characters as bigger than they really are. For example, when Peg finds Edward in the attic of the mansion, a low camera angle is used to make Edward look dangerous.

13. Tim Burton Cinematic analysis: Edward scissorhands
Tim Burton, in Edward Scissorhands, uses a low camera angle in order to portray characters as bigger than they really are. For example, when Peg finds Edward in the attic of the mansion, a low camera angle is used to make Edward look dangerous. By making viewers worry about Peg’s well-being, Burton sets up Peg as a potential victim. Edward is portrayed as threatening, but later is revealed as kind and, therefore, an anti- hero. W H

14. Tim Burton Analytical Essay
English 9
Perry High School

15. Hook (Attention Grabber)
Chocolate rivers, scissors for hands, and dancing skeletons– this may seem like a child’s midnight dream, but it’s actually a description of the successful filmmaker, Tim Burton. His quirky, fantastical worlds and unlikely heroes have helped make Burton one of the world’s most beloved movie-makers.

16. Thesis
In the films Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Edward Scissorhands, director Tim Burton uses _______________ and _________________ in order to support the argument that the anti-hero has an important role in society.

17. Topic Sentence (Paragraph 1)
In his major motion pictures, Burton uses dramatic camera angles to support the notion that the anti-hero is important in society.

18. Analytical statement (whh set #1)
In Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Tim Burton uses a high camera angle in order to highlight the vulnerability of a character. For example, when Charlie is introduced in the beginning of the film, a high angle is used to make him look small and insignificant. This high camera angle reinforces the fact that Charlie is a rather small child and not a characteristic of a hero, but an anti-hero. W W H

19. Analytical statement (wwh set #2)
Tim Burton, in Edward Scissorhands, uses a low camera angle in order to portray characters as bigger than they really are. For example, when Peg finds Edward in the attic of the mansion, a low camera angle is used to make Edward look dangerous. By making viewers worry about Peg’s well-being, Burton sets up Peg as a potential victim. Edward is portrayed as threatening, but later is revealed as kind and, therefore, an anti-hero. W W H

20. Concluding/transitional Sentence (Body Paragraph 1)
Using dramatic camera angles is an effective method for helping the audience view Burton’s anti- heroes as important to society. The characters look bigger or smaller than they really are, highlighting their vulnerability or malevolence.

21. Conclusion paragraph
In Burton’s films Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Edward Scissorhands, the audience sees how he uses _______________ and _________________ in order to support the argument that the anti-hero is important in our society.

22. Conclusion paragraph Cont.
When Burton uses __________ and __________, it reinforces the idea that his characters are unexpected heroes who don’t fit society’s ideas of a true hero. Nonetheless, the viewers still want them to succeed.

23. Conclusion paragraph Cont.
Burton’s unique, incredibly imaginative worlds and eccentric heroes have entertained millions of viewers everywhere.