Ed Wood

UK Release Date. 26 May 1995
Certification. 15
Running Time. 2 hours 7 mins
Director. Tim Burton
Cast. Patricia Arquette, Johnny Depp, Martin Landau, Bill Murray, Sarah Jessica Parker.
Rating. 70%

Review.

The American radio show host, writer and film critic, Michael Medved once branded Edward D. Wood Jr to be the 'Worst film director of all time.' The label stuck. That Wood's films were bad is not really a subject for debate; they were often extraordinarily bad, but the low-budget, schlock director of films such as Glen Or Glenda, Plan 9 From Outer Space and Night Of The Ghouls never seemed to acknowledge his shortcomings. Instead, his passion prevailed.

Plenty of films celebrate the third rate. Very few do so with such sympathy and understanding as Tim Burton's Ed Wood. The director produces an affectionate tribute to Wood's relentless passion and unwavering enthusiasm. Perhaps, even one, stemming from admiration.

The screenplay written by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski is based on the book Nightmare of Ecstasy: The life and art of Edward D. Wood Jr by Rudolph Grey. The film consists of a compendium of episodes, rather than employing a linear plot. Burton recreates scenes from Wood's films brilliantly and the director's chaotic lifestyle is brought to the screen with a joyful vigour by Johnny Depp. Depp portrays Edward D. Wood Jr with genuine earnestness, as a wide-eyed innocent and creates a character that is oh, so irresistibly charming. 

But it is Martin Landau who delivers the film's most impressive performance. A tour de force performance which rightly won him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Bela Lugosi - the washed-up, morphine-addicted, one-time star of such classic Universal Pictures films as Dracula, The Black Cat and The Raven. Vocally and physically, Landau is on point and delivers an astonishing performance filled with pathos.

Amongst the remaining cast, Bill Murray deserves special mention as Wood's transvestite friend, Bunny Breckinridge. His disdain, languidity and ambivalence would seem to serve as a prelude to several later roles reprised in Wes Anderson films.

Stefan Czapsky's crisp black and white cinematography is exquisite and Burton's decision to film in black and white suits the style of the film.

Yet, Ed Wood gleefully celebrates the creative spirit, no matter how misguided that particular spirit happens to be. For despite a lack of any discernible talent, Wood proved that the triumph of hope and positivity was not only possible but, given support, readily achievable.

Is Ed Wood potentially, Tim Burton's greatest work?