This Halloween, whether you want to watch a child scientist resurrect his loving dog, a skeleton struggling with belonging in a different world, or watch a ghost causing mayhem or more, Tim Burton has got it for you. The writer, producer, and director is known for his unique style of dark films and spooky odd characters.
Growing up on all of his films and relating to his kooky, silly characters, I watch his films every year at this time. I even have the Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack on my Spotify.
Burton sometimes writes, directs and/or and produces, filling different roles on different films.
Frankenweenie, a horror movie intended for the whole family, is a fun animated kids film that takes a spin on the Frankenstein concept.
One of my favorites as a kid, it shows the sadness in life of losing someone you care about and coping with that loss. All Burton characters go through internal struggles and teach us moral lessons, and this one certainly does.
In this film, the main character resurrects his dog who passed suddenly. Although I would love to bring my past pets back to life, I don't think that would be healthy. This film really teaches the message of growing up and letting go – two things we all hate, but must do eventually.
Some say this is a Christmas movie, others, a Halloween movie. Either way, it does well in both aspects. All Burton's films show a darker side of the world in a compelling way.
Burton tackles topics on death, afterlife, spiritual, and mental confusion. This can lead to the idea that some can view his films to have Christian themes, while others believe in the complete opposite.
This is, of course, up to viewers, and Burton always makes us guess, which is part of the fun.
Deacon Steven Greydanus writes mostly about Halloween in his review of the film, but he does say this:
There’s even a touch of Christian imagery. At the moment Jack realizes he’s made a ghastly mistake (as opposed to a ghastly success), he finds himself falling out of the sky; and he lands, appropriately enough, in a graveyard. Yet he is caught by the outstretched arms of a stone angel holding an open book — a hint of grace and the promise of a second chance
The Nightmare before Christmas shows two different and opposing worlds, and a main character confused about where he belongs. The two worlds offer a beautiful story to a younger audience, and even older audiences, as I still watch this film every Halloween as a tradition.
An oldie but a goodie for many audiences. Though its PG-13 rating makes it for more of a teen audience, this classic pokes into the concepts of death and spiritual awakening. Purgatory and the afterlife are explained through the medium of comedy.
Although the film deals with serious concepts of dark afterlife ideas, Burton expresses through comedy, primarily through the mischievous ghost Beetlejuice himself.
Get your costumes ready and say Beetlejuice three times (or maybe not, because it releases him to cause mayhem), because the movie has a sequel starring Jenna Ortega, and fans continue to rave about it.
Although, I continue to vouch for the original, as it is a classic.
While Burton himself claims to practice no religion, it is somewhere in his background. In a quote noted by author Douglas Eby:
Burton has talked about his early life: “I think the atmosphere that I grew up in, yes, there was a subtext of normalcy. I don’t even know what the word means, but it’s stuck in my brain. It’s weird. I don’t know if it’s specifically American, or American in the time I grew up, but there’s a very strong sense of categorization and conformity.
“I remember being forced to go to Sunday school for a number of years, even though my parents were not religious. No one was really religious; it was just the framework. There was no passion for it. No passion for anything. Just a quiet, kind of floaty, kind of semi-oppressive, blank palette that you’re living in.”
There remain mixed opinions within the Christian community on the spirituality of Burton’s films. Christians notice their spooky aesthetics and spiritual overtones and understand them to have worldly messages.
Some viewers point out that these films are great conversation starters on religion and faith. One Christian reviewer states, “Burton offers a potential answer to this tension in three of his films, each of which bring to the table the biblical concept of reconciliation”(Stevens, 2024).
Many see dark concepts that could cause spiritual confusion. Others believe there is a misuse of a large amount of occult imagery, which deters some audiences. The characters are relatable and connect with audiences, but confusing concepts of the afterlife can raise questions.
Burton's films play with Christian imagery but not a clear depiction of Christian faith or messages, so parents may have to still do some explaining.
Speaking as a Christian myself and a Tim Burton fan, these films are great conversation starters. Burton has left viewers pondering and curious of his intent -– but he never shares why, which is the best part.
I am religious, yet love his dark, mysterious take on life, because I can see myself in his characters and his world.
Where people may see dark, twisted concepts, I see deep and meaningful messages that can reach all audiences.
Wood Entertainment has released a new, independently produced documentary to help you celebrate Halloween and step into the mind of the amazing director and artist Tim Burton.
From Forbes:
According to a press release from Wood’s PR team, “Tim Burton: Life in the Line will premiere exclusively on a custom-built OTT platform” on Thursday, Oct. 23, "marking one of the largest independent streaming launches ever. The direct-to-fan release gives audiences unprecedented access to Burton’s world — uncut, unfiltered, and overflowing with never-before-seen footage, interviews and artwork.” …
In addition to all four episodes of the docuseries, the independent streaming platform will also feature hours of bonus materials and other extras. The platform can be found at the Tim Burton: Life In The Line Website.
Image: Shutterstock
Kya Knudsen is a film-directing major, with a Bible minor, at Biola University, and is currently an intern at Family Theater Productions.
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