Ed Wood (1994)

I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.

A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

Ed Wood is a beautifully bizarre movie, shot in black and white with the tone and absurdity of the film maker that the film shares its name. Johnny Depp's portrayal of infamous director Edward D Wood Jr is both hilarious and heart felt and the same words can be used to describe the movie as a whole. Quite possibly Burton's masterpiece, Ed Wood perfectly encapsulates his strange and wholly unique style while at the same time completely embracing the equally bizarre style of three of Wood's most famous outings, "Glen or Glenda?", "Bride of the Monster" and "Plan 9 from Outer Space". A must see for fans of cinema and a fascinating insight into the world of B-movies.

Ed Wood is an okay film, but not as great as people make it out to be..., to shoot the film in black and white was a novel idea, but I think this choice hampered the overall viewing experience somewhat, Ed Wood is an eccentric film that would've greatly valued from the use of colour, lot's of colour instead of no colour at all would've been my call, the usage of black and white was to honour the past, give the impression of realism making the film look as though it was actually in the 1950's, but no, it needed bright vibrant colours I'm afraid.Apparently Edward D Wood Jr was the worst director ever, and the film tries to explain why this is so in a bubbly, comedic kind of way..., but after seeing the film, I'm not quite sure, was he the worst director ever? He sure did make some lousy films granted, but the guy had passion and belief and personally I believe there must be worse out there, Wood was a nice, relatable character expertly portrayed by the sublimely talented Johnny Depp. Johnny Depp is a master of his craft, I'm always mesmerised by his performances, he brings something very real out even if his character is very outlandish..., making Depp one of the most talented actors ever most probably; and that poses a question, one of the best actors ever playing the so-called worst director ever, hmm, was Edward Wood actually that poor? Or was Johnny Depp that good at bringing his character alive?Who knows?The supporting cast fitted into the overall project very well, I was particularly impressed with the late wrestler, George "The Animal" Steele, watched him as a wrestler as a youngster, didn't know the guy could even talk, wow, first time I think I've heard the animal say anything. Enjoyable viewing most certainly, but it fails to reach the lofty heights so many people have given it, am I not seeing something that so many others are? Am I really that dull?

In one of her last Interviews the Original Vampira (Maila Nurmi) who was a host on KABC's late night Horror show back in the 1950's was quoted as saying," Birds of a feather." about how endearing the real Ed wood was to his close friends and colleagues and he wouldn't stop at no expense to help them. Transvestites , dope addicts and misfits were all assembled in the Ed Wood World of movie making in post WWII Hollywood so authentically depicted by Director Tim Burton. Johnny Deep captures the enthusiasm and integrity of this cross-dressing alcoholic and winsome wannabee director of the cinema. Wood would go to great lengths to get the picture done without permits, stealing props and even getting his entire cast baptized in order for the church to fund his movies. Martin Landau was delightful as the Iconic Bela Lugosi with a spot on Hungarian accent yet Landau's performance was never to upstage the real actor as thought by Bela Lugosi's real son who did eventually watch the movie and paid tribute to Landau for portraying his late Father. So much so that they are real friends to this day. Furthermore Landau won the Oscar for best Supporting Actor for this role. To me this move was about loyalty, creativity although questionable by higher standards Ed Woods methods and practices were at the very extreme with the one goal in mind, to get the picture done his way! So many characters. Bill Murray as the hopeful sex change recipient. Criswell played by Jeffrey Jones as the master of outrageous predictions. Sara Jessica Parker as Ed's first significant, Dolores Fuller who constantly complains and wonders what she's doing with this non- conformist cross-dressing film Director. Juliet Landau who cons her way into an Ed Wood movie who is allergic to water. George the Animal Steele as the Hefty Tor Johnson. Vincent D'Onofrio as the portly Orson Wells in one of my favorite scenes in this movie when a frustrated Ed Wood chews the fat about the problems of producing movies in Hollywood. I thought it was the actor's voice and kudos to D'Onofrio but the Wells voice was lip-synced. The real voice belonged to Maurice LaMarche. Great film for all those sentimental 50's Sci-Fi schlock movie aficinados. Where giant lizards and mutated humans not to mention UFO aliens were the norm and being produced in huge numbers annually throughout the decade, Ed Wood and his troop of lovable faithfuls put together some of the most forgettable movies ever produced which over time became a new art form of film obscure.Ed Wood hoping with each film project that this will be the movie he'll be remembered for. This movie is a tribute to all those hopefuls out of film school and it's not bad movie to watch if you were ever afraid of horror movies. Bravo Mr. Burton !

Another successful collaboration between Burton and Depp. This movie offers a good insight into Ed Wood and Hollywoodland back in the day. I only came to know Ed Wood through this movie. Depp has done well by bringing him to life in this black and white light drama, his portrayal eliciting laughs from the viewer, but never full blown pity. His sheer optimism despite his circumstances is endearing and comical.Together with a good cast, the director brings out a believable portrayal of the campy movie director that was once tagged as the Worst Director of All Time. Martin Landau's likeness to Bela Lugosi was laudable. I have to say, the sound on this movie would take you right back to the black and white era of Hollywood. Think Bride of the Frankenstein.If for nothing else, watch this movie for the one liners. The one liners in this movie are the best thing about it, in my opinion!