GO TO: www.peculiartimmyb.tumblr.com

Before, I was never very keen on Tim Burton and his

style of films, which is why, despite seeing

trailers, posters and other advertisements, I still didn’t

want to watch this movie. However, I surprisingly really

enjoyed Burton’s interesting take on the classic story. I

liked the mix of real people in the animated

wonderland, and the tension and excitement that

continued to build up until Alice had to slay the Queen’s

monster. There is a lot of energy in this, which is why I

am pleased with it.

Again, I liked this film more than I thought I would. I

was entertained by the small jokes that were made

every know and again and I also enjoyed it more

towards the end when there were a few action scenes.

However, I did feel the story line was a bit rubbish and

at times there seemed to be parts were not much was

happening, It was a decent film though I would definitely

prefer Alice In Wonderland.

After watching both Alice In Wonderland and Dark Shadows, I have been able to notice a

number of similar features and conventions that continue to reappear in Burton’s films.

1. Set in the past – We can tell that both films are set in the past/ old London, not only by the

traditional clothing they are wearing but also by the large, ancient houses they live in.

2. Typography – Serif fonts. Although the typography in Alice In Wonderland is more curvy and

crooked, both titles have the little flicks at the ends of each letter, better known as a serif font.

This adds to the very traditional theme Burton likes to display in his films.

3. Lots of mist – Especially at night time, or in forests/woods, a lot of mist can be seen lingering

in the background. This fogginess creates a sense of mystery and a fear of unknown, which is

typical of Tim Burton as he is a very dark director.

4. Reappearing Cast - Johnny Depp and Helena Bonhan Carter have played characters in both

the films I watched. Depp playing Barnabus Collins in Dark Shadows and then the Mad Hatter

in Alice In Wonderland. Carter playing Dr. Julia Hoffman in Dark Shadows and the Red Queen

in Alice. Johnny Depp especially, continues to appear in many other Burton films including

Edward Scissorhands & Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Both starred in the Corpse Bride.

5. Pale Faces – In Dark Shadows, the use of pale faces highlighted the fact that there were

vampires, and the overall supernatural sub-genre, however in Alice In Wonderland, pale faces

are still used but in a different way. The Mad Hatter has a pale face with bright orange

hair, most likely to emphasize his madness.

6. Femme Fatale – The Red Queen & Angelique Bouchard. Though the Red Queen is barely

seductive and attractive, if anything the complete opposite, she, along with Angelique are two

evil and villainous female characters who are mysterious and quite dangerous.