1. Tim Burton “Ed Wood”

2. Tim Burton From breathtaking stop-action animation to bitter sweet modern fairy tales, filmmaker Tim Burton has become known for his unique visual brilliance - witty and macabre at once. He is the creative genius behind BATMAN, BEETLEJUICE, ED WOOD, EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, MARS ATTACKS!, PEEWEE'S BIG ADVENTURE, and THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, among others. He began his career at Disney, where his first project was a six - minute tribute to Vincent Price. His second film, the twenty-seven-minute FRANKENWEENIE, was deemed unsuitable for children and never released in theaters. He lives in New York and Los Angeles.

3. “Ed Wood” Trivia www.imdb.com This film cost more to produce than all of Edward D. Wood Jr.'s films put together.Edward D. Wood Jr. Tim Burton said that he was drawn to the story because of the similarities between Edward D. Wood Jr.'s relationship with Bela Lugosi and his own friendship with Vincent Price late in the actor's life. Tim BurtonEdward D. Wood Jr.Bela LugosiVincent Price In a scene with Wood and Dolores, the camera angle showing the ceiling is similar to a scene in Citizen Kane (1941). In the very next scene Ed stands in front of a poster for "Citizen Kane".Citizen Kane The first film by Tim Burton to not feature Danny Elfman's music score.Tim BurtonDanny Elfman The sweeping music during the epilogue is based on the music from Glen or Glenda (1953).Glen or Glenda One story claims that the decision to film in black and white was made because no one could decide how Bela Lugosi should look filmed in color.Bela Lugosi Martin Landau's face had to be painted unnaturally white in order for the black-and- white film stock to record it properly. Martin Landau Martin Landau's winning of the 'Best Supporting Actor' Academy Award for his portrayal of Bela Lugosi marked the first time in Oscar history that a performer in any category won for playing an actual movie star. A decade passed before this happened again; when Cate Blanchett took the 'Best Supporting Actress' trophy for her portrayal of Katharine Hepburn in The Aviator (2004). Martin LandauBela LugosiCate BlanchettKatharine HepburnThe Aviator

4. The emphasis on "mainstream" is notable: Burton's career has been distinguished in part by the director's skillful ability to remain just inside the realm of the mainstream while producing work of a decidedly unconventional vision.Burton

5. A little bit on Ed Wood, the man himself “Wood, the director of such cult classics as ‘Glen or Glenda’, ‘Bride of the Monster’, and, most infamously, ‘Plan 9 From Outer Space’, died in 1978, aged fifty-four, penniless forgotten. Sadly he achieved near legendary status only posthumously, in the early 80’s” when “Plan 9 From Outer Space” was voted the worst film of all time. He aspired to be the next Orson Welles

6. Ed Wood fits the classic Burton character: a misfit, a misunderstood, misperceived individual. However, Burton feels that Ed had an incredible amount of optimism – to the point of denial. Catwoman and Sally had this aspect to them as well. He enjoys working with this concept in his characters. “I think everyone is in some form of denial. Denial is an incredible thing. Most people don’t go through their life with an extreme awareness of every aspect of themselves.

7. Burton could related to Wood because they are/were passionate about what they do. Burton’s characters have a duality to them – Wood’s is his transvestism. Columbia studios didn’t want to have the movie shot in black and white so they stopped in pre-production. Burton went to Disney and they gave him 18 mil. And total creativity to shoot the movie. Felt it was the best way to tell the story. Disney agreed because they had just finished “Nightmare Before Christmas”. 1993 Burton was not in communication with Elfman (composer) at the time so went with Howard Shore for the score.

8. As usual – another box office failure – the first for Burton Was nominated for 2 Oscars at the Academy Awards and won both – Best Make-Up (Rick Baker) and Best Supporting Actor (Martin Landau)

9. Information Burton hated growing up in suburban California Wood died of a heart attack in his house – no one knew who he was. Wood believed he was making wonderful movies. Burton makes wonderful movies! One of his most personal was “Big Fish”.

10. Take notes on: While watching the movie, make sure take notes on the following themes and ideas: 1.Alienation/the outcast 2.Why do you think the movie was filmed in B&W? Would it have worked in color? (Wood’s movies were in B&W – is it homage? Would the story be the same in color? 3.Friendship (early in life/late in life). Why are we friends with who we are? 4.What we find in ourselves that we can connect to in art. Burton felt he had a connection to Ed Wood and that is why he agreed to do this film – What are some possible connections? 5.What do you like/not like while watching the movie?