Mise-en-scene: Edward Scissorhands

The story of Edward Scissorhands is one that speaks directly to the heart, or to mine at least. Among a perfectly manicured, suburban neighborhood is a gothic mansion atop a spooky looking hill. In the neighborhood we meet the gossipy-housewives, concerned with perfection and entertainment. Atop the spooky hill we meet a young boy who has a freaky attire, scissors for hands, and a big heart. The story explores how outward appearances do not say anything for what's inside someone or something, and is done so in the signature way of Tim Burton. That is to say, with his favorite cast, musical score, production design, and a fantastical/gothic theme.

Art Direction

The art director is in charge of the overall look of a film and how it visually communicates to its audience. The art director of Edward Scissorhands is Tom Duffield. What Duffield was able to pull of with this movie is incredible. Of course it goes without saying that it was the work of a lot of people, but the way everything came together for the final look was absolutely stunning.

There's the iconic contrast of the dark gothic mansion on an unkempt hill and the pristine, pastel homes with bright green lawns.

Our next visual treat is when Peg (Dianne Wiest) steps through the gates and is standing amidst a lawn that has seen more upkeep than any below it, and is far more beautiful. The state of the yard comes as a shock set against the colorless, unkempt mansion.

Stepping into the mansion then, stays true to what we'd expect and it's all spider webs and gothic statues. Added to that is the leftover machinery and work of the deceased inventor/father (Vincent Price) that looks reminiscent of voodoo dolls to me- the parts that Edward (Johnny Depp) was thought up from.

Once we head up the stairs where Peg first meets Edward we are treated to a plain wooden attic with a large gaping hole in the ceiling which you can imagine yourself lying under to star gaze at night, or sun bathe under-during the right hours of the day, of course.

Here we see the sad makeshift bed of the abandon boy, complete with a shrine of magazine clippings and news articles that relate to Edwards disconformities. After that we get another stark contrast in the film, and that is Edward's appearance compared to Peg's. Frankenstein meets the Stepford wife. 

All in all an extraordinary visual experience! The context underlying the look of this movie makes it the great film that it is. Excellent work by both Tom Duffield and Tim Burton.