Edward Scissorhands (1990)

There's nothing less traditional than a movie about a guy who has scissors for hands.

This is easily the best example of the basic plot line, "A Stranger Comes to Town" in cinematic history. The introduction of a strange, cyborg-like man created in a lab who has scissors for hands into a suburban neighborhood of gossip-crazed busybodies is the perfect recipe for disaster and the ordeal says more about the nature of the neighbors than it does about the "freak" they ostracize. It's a lot like Frankenstein in that regard, an exploration of monstrosity and the basic need we have as human beings to belong.

This is such an odd movie, but it's an example of how an original idea in Hollywood can work when you have the right people involved. No director could have made this movie besides Tim Burton. This is the pinnacle of his work and started his trend of super pale people in his trademark films. Likewise, could you imagine this movie without Danny Elfman's music? Music is often an overlooked aspect of films, but when it's done right...wow. And this is music done right.

The film is cast well, too. Johnny Depp does a lot with his 169 words throughout the entire film. He has a silent film actor vibe in this movie where he does a lot of acting with his eyes, his walk, and his...scissors. Diane West is just adorable as the mother and Alan Arkin (who is always great) does a lot in an uncelebrated role as the clueless, emotionally stagnant father. The only flaw is the cute but mediocre Winona Ryder. The only thing she doesn't steal is the scenes she's in (ZING!). Oh, and how about Anthony Michael Hall transforming from 80s geek to 90s dickhead in this one? Nicely done, sir.

I always forget how funny this movie is. Acts I and II as Edward's integrating himself into suburbia are actually pretty hilarious (how about that lemonade scene?), but the film takes an extremely dark turn in Act III. It's abrupt and things go downhill fast and it's that last third that leaves an impact on the viewer. As someone who grew up in suburbia, it's truly the most horrifying place imaginable and few films do a better job of capturing the quiet and quaint insanity of the 'burbs (the only movie that does it better is The 'Burbs).

Of course, viewing a movie like this with such a unique character does bring up a few interesting questions:

1) How does Edward go to the bathroom?
2) Does he even have a penis?
3) Where is he getting those giant chunks of ice to carve up at his isolated mansion in Florida?

But I suppose those are questions for another day...

Why It's Awesome: A humanoid creation with scissors for hands shows up in suburbia - a truly creative and original premise that plays out flawlessly on screen. But seriously, did Vincent Price give him a penis? Here's a question for all you guys: would you rather have no hands or no penis? I guess what good is the penis without the hands? Of course, I guess that's what Winona was for...

Best Quote:

Jim's Van Friend (talking about Edward and Kim): Forget about holding her hand, man. Think about the damage he could do to other places.