Watching a Tim Burton biography is an experience. It does not contain as many weird and twisted elements as would be expected from such a dark and creative talent. Burton is famous for his art, directing, producing and writing abilities. From his first hit movie, Peewee's Big Adventure in 1985 to his Oscar winning musical, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street in 2007, Burton has amazed audiences with his very unique perspective.
Youth
Tim Burton was born August 25, 1958 in Burbank, California. His love for drawing and movies blossomed at a young age. After graduating from high school, Burton enrolled at the California Institute of the Arts. By 1979 he was a drafted Disney animator.
Early Career
Tim Burton did not enjoy his work as a Disney animator. The rigid and bland process of creating a Disney movie was much too stifling for the wildly creative Burton. Fortunately, Disney recognized his immense talent and allowed him to create a short film of his own. The six-minute animation Vincent was done in 1982 with Burton's personal hero, Vincent Price, as narrator. The short film won major artistic praise.
Breakthrough
After the successful short film, Vincent, Tim Burton continued to work as a Disney animator. In 1984 was allowed to create another film, this time a 27-minute live movie called Frankenweenie. The film was considered much too dark for children and unsuitable for release by Disney. However, Paul Reubens saw the short film and decided Burton should direct Pee-wee's Big Adventure, Reubens' debut movie. The film was a surprise hit and opened the doors to Burton's success.
After the surprise success of Pee-wee's Big Adventure, Tim Burton went on to direct the surreal film Beetlejuice. Burton's dark perspective and vivid creativity made the film a perfect example of his style. He was given the chance to direct his first big-budget film with Batman in 1989. The movie was a major hit and gave him the reins to complete creative control in his next films.
Success
Tim Burton directed Edward Scissorhands in 1990, casting actor Johnny Depp in the lead. The movie was his first chance to exert creative control and began a long-lasting relationship between Burton and Depp. The film was not a huge commercial success, but quickly found a large following of fans.
Tim Burton returned to the Batman franchise in 1991 with the sequel Batman Returns. Though an artistic triumph, the film was not a huge financial success and created a large backlash. Many people, especially parents, found the film much too dark for what they expected to be a teen movie. He went on to direct the unpopular, but critically acclaimed, Ed Wood in 1994 and the flop Mars Attacks in 1996.
Tim Burton has secured his legacy as an amazing director with his 1999 film Sleepy Hollow, 2001 Planet of the Apes, 2003 Big Fish, 2005 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, 2005 Corpse Bride and 2007 Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. He also produced the popular 1993 movie The Nightmare Before Christmas.
 | Tim Burton movies are immediately identifiable as the work of a dark yet comedic artist. These films showcase his talents. |
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Tim Burton producer, writer and artist, has given us perception on how wonderful his work is. |
Find articles about Tim Burton, including Tim Burton movies, Tim Burton drawings and a Tim Burton biography. |
