Analysis Of Edward Scissorhands

The world is a hypocritical place. We are told to be ourselves yet one abnormal attribute will make you an outcast. Edward Scissorhands is a perfect example of this. The film “Edward Scissorhands” directed by Tim Burton, follows a peculiar man and how he attempts to fit into a judgemental society. At first he earns their acceptance, however one toe out of line sends him plummeting to an outcast. This film reflects our current society now, how you will also be accepted until they have a reason to hate you. Edward is a creation, he was invented with human features except hands, instead he has scissors. After the sudden death of his inventor, Edward is left isolated in a castle on a hill for many years. Because of this, he has a very innocent
mindset, unlike the typical monster archetype. However, his actions towards the end of the film had slightly altered my belief. His appearance also perfectly matches the monster archetype. Therefore, I believe Edward is both a monster and a victim.

The mid-high angle shot, gestures and facial expressions, work together to emphasise Edward’s distraught state of mind. In this shot, Edward is petrified as Kim had entered his room, and began to undress herself. The mid-high angle shot, is effective because it shows Edward’s helpless state. Because of this, we are reminded of Edward’s innocence. He lacks general knowledge due to his earlier isolation. His hand gestures (scissor gestures), emphasise his careful character, in which he fears not to scare the woman. This shows how he knows he should not be watching it unfold before him, but he does nothing to stop it. His eyes were widened, causing his forehead to crease. His lips were pressed in a firm frown, all indicating that he is afraid. He does not know how to approach her nor stop the situation from escalating. These film techniques work together to make the audience acknowledge his child like state. I believe this shot makes Edward appear more of a victim as opposed to a monster. His actions in this scene are nothing like a monster; monsters would have attempted to scare her, if not killed her by now.

The high angle shot, clothing, colour contrast and expression, work together to emphasise Edward’s pitiful but loyal state.
In this scene, Edward had been arrested for breaking into Jim’s house. He remained quiet as Peggy bombarded him with accusations and questions. Despite this, Edward kept his mouth shut the entire time, taking full responsibility of the crime. The camera angles emphasises his weak, lack of power, victim state. As he is constantly questioned, he is unable to say anything. He feels guilty for committing a crime and disappointing his “family”. His prior actions were not supposed to be used for wrongdoing, they were just to catch the eye of his love. This brings me to Edward’s expression. His lips are curved into a frown, as his gaze is averted to the ground. We are reminded of Edward’s human traits, loyalty and the ability to love. Despite his pathetic excuse of “friends”, Edward still remains loyal and takes the blame, all for his love, Kim. Like the Beast in the film, “Beauty and the Beast,” despite having a monstrosity appearance, and physically not being human, they are both still able to love and would do anything to protect their “beauty.” The clothing is quite clever. The “V” on his cap could be interpreted to mean “victim.” His choice of clothing colour is ironic. It is black, contrasting against the white backdrop. Black is known to represent evil while white is known to represent pureness. Edward however is the complete opposite in this scene. These film techniques are work together to make Edward appear as a victim. I believe the colours are meant to emphasise him as a bad person, but he is not. His intentions are pure. He is meant to be the victim, not the
monster.