Individualism In Edward Scissorhands

Tim Burton’s film ‘Edward Scissorhands’ warns of the dangers of a conformist society. Throughout the course of the movie, viewers are constantly reminded of this peril. Burton highlights this hazard by indicating that people who are different may find it challenging to be accepted. Moreover, in societies where everyone is similar, there is often a level of complacency and absence of creativity. The audience is also informed of the dangers when Burton shows that disorder and confusion can result when conformed societies are confronted by difference.
In communities where every person is expected to behave in an identical manner, those who are unique or display individualism will be dismissed. From the moment Peg escorts Edward away from his decrepit
mansion to live as part of her family, viewers are alert that he will face a great deal of attention and prejudice. Despite the fact that Edward is excited and thrilled by the chance to live new life, he also experiences many difficulties in regards to blending in with everyone else. His physical difference is too profound so it is impossible for Edward to be compatible. This is evident when Peg attempts to transform his face with cosmetic products and consults the Avon handbook for further information. She mentions, “Blend and blend and blend… Blending is the secret”. Repetition of the word “blend” was to indicate that Edward must blend himself into this society. Furthermore, the danger of a conformist community was revealed when Edward received referrals to go and visit a doctor. At both the barbecue and interview, someone would say, “I know a doctor who can help you.” From this, the audience learns that Edward will never be truly accepted for who he is. In addition, at the beginning of the film, long distance shots of the group shows Esmeralda in the background implying that she is isolated and considered as an outcast. The high angle shots also emphasis that she is excluded from what is happening and is insignificant, since she is a religious fanatic. Viewers are clearly aware that those who have distinctive characteristics may discover that it is extremely exhausting to conform.
While the concept of acceptance of those who are different warns the viewers about the dangers of a conservative community, a level of self-satisfaction and lack of creativity also represents the hazards. When the audience is first introduced to the town, they are positioned to feel weary and detached. This is due to the fact that everything is uniform and neat, without any disorganisation or misplacement. In the first view of the town, Burton allows viewers to see its conformist nature by using a high angle shot. The houses in the neighbourhood are all painted in pastel colours, symbolising that there is no depth to this society. Moreover, Burton chooses to place emphasis on the routine and how all the husbands leave for work at the same time and use matching types of cars. The shrubs are uninteresting and boring until Edward arrives and reshapes them. He displays his creative personality when he changes the dull, bland gardens into fascinating and artistically trimmed statues. Edward then begins to cut dog’s hair as well as giving the people trendy hairstyles. In conservative places, there is usually an extent of complacency and deficiency of originality.