Burton's Bride Won't  Die

Giovanni Rosendo, associate editor

As soon as the lights in the theater dimmed to black, the anticipation of Tim Burton’s new film grew with every second of previews.

The unmistakable presentation of Burton’s previous films is evident “Corpse Bride” is that.  The land of the living is primarily made of black and white, which fits well with the drab lives of those still breathing.  The land of the dead (not George A. Romero’s) is made of many colors that go along with the exciting lives of those down under.

Danny Elfman was in charge of the music, of course, along with the voice for Bonejangles.

The movie’s opening number introduces the characters very well.  It all begins with the Van Dorts preparing to meet the Everglots for the wedding rehearsal of Victor Van Dort (played by Johnny Depp) and Victoria Everglot (played by Emily Watson).  Victor and Victoria, though they had never met, are to have an arranged marriage. 

The rehearsal goes terribly wrong due to the jittering of Victor.  Victor’s main problem though, is that he cannot remember his vows, which has everyone thinking that he’s not ready to get married.  In an effort to try to memorize, Victor wanders into the woods.

Alas he recites his vows correctly and jokingly places his ring on what looks like a tree branch.  That seemingly normal branch though, is the finger of the “Corpse Bride,” and at her awakening, Victor faints.

He soon wakes up in the underworld and is sung the unfortunate story of the “Corpse Bride.”  This musical number got me ready for much more than what came next.

The upcoming events in the movie seemed to drag a bit.  Victoria tries to get Victor help, but instead has everyone believing that she’s losing her mind.  Life seems to continue with the absence of Victor, who seems to inevitably accept his inconvenient fate.

The movie picks back up though when the dead join the land of the living.

Unfortunately, the “Corpse Bride” didn’t live up to “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” Burton’s preceding stop animation, claymation film.  This film is enjoyable though, and does live up to Burton’s criteria.

The most memorable line of the movie would have to be “Can a heart still break if it’s stopped beating,” said Barkis Bittern (played by Richard E. Grant).  This type of harsh reality seems to take over the tone of the movie.  The non-orthodox romantic love triangle is, without a doubt, unforgettable.

The ending, though predictable, was unquestionably original.

Overall, “Corpse Bride” is indubitably a must movie to see.  For true Burton fans, it may be a slight disappointment.  But if you happen to stumble upon it, don’t pass it up.