Tim Burton is arguably one of the most innovative filmmakers that Hollywood has seen over the years. His quirky aesthetic and eccentric method of direction has given rise to a unique brand of cinema that is visually and emotionally rich. With films like Edward Scissorhands, Corpse Bride, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and many more, Burton has cemented his place among the top creators in Hollywood.
Another big blockbuster from the British filmmaker was the iconic 1988 film Beetlejuice starring Michael Keaton. Now, more than 3 decades later, a sequel helmed by Burton will hit the theaters in September 2024. Speaking of going back to the drawing board, the filmmaker revealed that the memorable experience working on this film took him back in time and proved why he would always be passionate about the movies.
Tim Burton On Why Beetlejuice 2 Holds A Special Place
Tim Burton’s 1988 film Beetlejuice, starring Michael Keaton in the titular role, became a cult classic and continues to remain one of the evergreen films in Hollywood thanks to the director’s unique aesthetic. Decades later, the Corpse Bride filmmaker will release the much awaited sequel to this entertaining horror comedy, which will hit the big screen in September 2024.
Beetlejuice 2 will see Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara reprising their roles from the original film, while Wednesday actor Jenna Ortega also stars in a pivotal part. In an interview with The Independent, Burton spoke of his career in the field and the various memorable experiences he had while making his iconic films.
The Alice in Wonderland director confessed that the process of making a big commercial blockbuster was an exhausting and emotionally draining affair that made him want to hang up his boots when it ended. But like every creative artist, the passion for the craft always pulled him back despite his reluctance to watch and analyze his own films.
“That’s why it is hard for me to watch the movies afterwards, because I still feel the emotional whatever of it. I don’t get a release from that. But I do enjoy all the people I’ve worked with. On this last one, Beetlejuice 2, I really enjoyed it. I tried to strip everything and go back to the basics of working with good people and actors and puppets. It was kind of like going back to why I liked making movies.”
Beetlejuice 2 went through its share of challenges after filming was stopped just 2 days prior to completion owing to the Actors Strike. Burton, though, was grateful that the bulk of the work had already been done, which then required him to only put the last few elements in place. He also revealed that working on the sequel allowed him to go back to the basics of filmmaking, which reinforced the reasons behind why he became a director.
Tim Burton’s Take On The Influence Of AI
The advent of AI is a double-edged sword that has generated a lot of awe and hype while also posing a threat to human creativity and effort. Veteran filmmaker Tim Burton faced the effects of the technology firsthand. Apart from directing, the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory director is also famous for his brilliant art skills, having sketched many Disney characters over the years.
When he saw AI generated images of his sketches as part of a series organized by Buzzfeed, which included a ghostly Pocahontas and Sleeping Beauty, Burton was completely taken aback by what the technology came up with. While he admitted that some of the images were very good, the filmmaker confessed that AI was a definite threat to the world of animation. Speaking to The Independent, he said,
“What it does is it sucks something from you. It takes something from your soul or psyche; that is very disturbing, especially if it has to do with you. It’s like a robot taking your humanity, your soul.”
Burton went on to add that he, like any other original artist, hated to see his work cloned or imitated. With AI slowly but surely pushing aside authentic creativity, the filmmaker was wary of what the future will hold.
Beetlejuice 2 releases in theaters on September 6th, 2024.
