Beetlejuice
If you were with us for Year 8 Media Arts, you'll remember we spent a few weeks studying Tim Burton: a filmmaker often described as an auteur - a person whose filmmaking style is recognisable like a signature. We watched some of his early short films, as well as a movie called Big Fish.
Watch the video below to refresh your memory.
More about Tim Burton's Visual Style and Themes
Tim Burton is known for his distinctive visual style, which often includes the use of unusual motifs and themes. Some common motifs in his films include:
Gothic or horror elements: Many of Burton's films have a Gothic or horror aesthetic, with elements such as spooky mansions, dark forests, and supernatural creatures.
Quirky or offbeat characters: Burton's films often feature characters that are strange, eccentric, or otherwise unconventional. These characters may be outsiders of societal norms or have physical abnormalities.
An exploration of the macabre: Many of Burton's films deal with themes of death and the afterlife, and often feature characters grappling with their own mortality.
A sense of whimsy: Despite their sometimes dark themes, many of Burton's films also have a sense of whimsy or playfulness. This is often reflected in the use of vibrant colors, imaginative settings, and absurd or humorous situations.
A celebration of the outsider: Many of Burton's films center around characters who are outsiders or misfits, and often explore themes of acceptance and belonging.
Some other examples of Tim Burton films that specifically center around offbeat outsiders include:
Edward Scissorhands - The titular character, Edward, is a creation with scissors for hands who is isolated from society and struggles to fit in.
Beetlejuice - The main characters, a recently deceased couple, are outsiders in the sense that they are ghosts who are no longer a part of the living world.
The Nightmare Before Christmas - The main character, Jack Skellington, is the "Pumpkin King" of Halloween Town, but becomes disenchanted with his role and sets out to become the "Sandy Claws" of Christmas. In doing so, he becomes an outsider in both worlds.
Mars Attacks! - The Martians in this film are outsiders in the sense that they are extraterrestrial beings who invade Earth.
Frankenweenie - The main character, Victor, is an outsider in his school and community because of his unconventional interests and his decision to bring his deceased dog back to life.
The Corpse Bride - The film tells the story of Victor, a young man who accidentally marries a corpse while practicing his wedding vows in the woods.
Batman Returns - The film follows the story of Bruce Wayne, a billionaire playboy who becomes the vigilante known as Batman after witnessing his parents' murder as a child.
Alice in Wonderland - The film follows Alice, a young girl who falls down a rabbit hole and finds herself in a strange and fantastical world filled with peculiar characters.
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children - The film follows the story of a young boy named Jake who discovers a secret home for children with extraordinary abilities and becomes their protector.
Sleepy Hollow - The film is a retelling of the classic story of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and follows the story of Ichabod Crane, a constable who is sent to the town of Sleepy Hollow to investigate a series of mysterious murders.
Watch Beetlejuice, and consider the following points before completing the task at the bottom of this page:
Character Analyses
Beetlejuice, also known as Betelgeuse, is the titular character in the film. He is a mischievous and eccentric bio-exorcist, a freelance "ghost with the most" hired to scare the Deetz family away from the Maitland's haunted house. Here are some key aspects of the Beetlejuice character:
Chaotic and Unpredictable: Beetlejuice is an unpredictable character with a chaotic personality. He often resorts to unconventional and bizarre methods to achieve his goals, making him a wild and entertaining presence on screen.
Manipulative and Self-Serving: Throughout the film, Beetlejuice displays manipulative tendencies, using his knowledge of the supernatural world to trick and deceive others. He is solely interested in serving his own desires and escaping from his confinement.
Sense of Humor: Despite being a ghostly figure, Beetlejuice possesses a dark and twisted sense of humor. He cracks jokes and engages in absurd antics, which adds an element of black comedy to the movie.
Supernatural Abilities: As a bio-exorcist, Beetlejuice has various supernatural abilities, such as shape-shifting, summoning creatures, and creating illusions. His powers contribute to the film's fantastical and otherworldly atmosphere.
Egotistical and Unhinged: Beetlejuice's inflated ego and unhinged behavior create a sense of danger and unpredictability. He is not to be trusted, as his intentions often lead to chaos and harm.
Mysterious Backstory: While the film doesn't delve deeply into Beetlejuice's backstory, his history as a former "bio-exorcist" suggests that he may have a dark and complicated past.
Lydia Deetz is one of the main characters in Beetlejuice. She is a dark and gothic teenage girl who moves into the Maitland's haunted house with her parents, Charles and Delia Deetz. Here are some key aspects of the Lydia Deetz character:
Rebellious and Introverted: Lydia is portrayed as a rebellious and introverted teenager. She prefers to spend her time alone, writing poetry and capturing the eerie beauty of the house through her camera.
Fascination with Death and the Supernatural: Lydia has a fascination with death and the supernatural, which makes her more open to connecting with the ghosts of Adam and Barbara Maitland. This shared interest brings her closer to the spirit world.
Emotional Vulnerability: Despite her tough exterior, Lydia is emotionally vulnerable. She feels isolated and misunderstood by her parents, leading her to seek solace in the Maitlands and the afterlife.
Struggle for Acceptance: Lydia struggles to find acceptance and connection in the world. Her parents' preoccupation with their own interests and her stepmother's disdain for her dark interests further alienate her.
Friendship with the Maitlands: Lydia develops a genuine friendship with the Maitlands, as they are the first ones to truly understand and appreciate her. Their bond provides an emotional anchor in the chaotic world of the supernatural.
Transformation and Growth: Throughout the film, Lydia undergoes transformation and growth. Her encounters with Beetlejuice and the Maitlands' experiences lead her to develop a deeper understanding of life and death.
Empathy and Compassion: Lydia shows empathy and compassion towards the Maitlands and eventually helps them in their plight. Her compassionate nature contrasts with Beetlejuice's manipulative approach.
The Maitlands, Adam and Barbara, are the central characters in Beetlejuice. They are a loving and wholesome couple who find themselves in the afterlife after tragically dying in a car accident. Here are some key aspects of the Maitland characters:
Loving and Committed: Adam and Barbara are depicted as a loving and committed couple. Even in the afterlife, their strong bond remains, and they work together to navigate their new existence as ghosts.
Struggle with the Afterlife: Upon realizing that they are deceased, Adam and Barbara initially struggle to come to terms with their new reality as ghosts. They experience confusion and frustration as they try to figure out how to interact with the living world.
Protective of Their Home: The Maitlands are deeply attached to their home and are determined to protect it from the Deetz family. They go to great lengths to scare the living occupants away, resorting to creative and humorous haunting methods.
Moral and Ethical Dilemmas: As ghosts, Adam and Barbara are faced with moral dilemmas. They grapple with the idea of scaring the Deetz family away, which involves manipulating the living, raising questions about the consequences of their actions.
Friendship with Lydia: As they interact with Lydia, the Maitlands develop a close friendship with her. They find solace in her understanding and share a genuine connection due to their shared interests in the supernatural.
Growth and Acceptance: Throughout the film, the Maitlands undergo character growth and acceptance of their new state. They eventually come to terms with their situation and find a sense of peace, especially in their bond with Lydia.
Protective and Caring: Adam and Barbara are protective of Lydia, ensuring her safety and well-being. They care for her deeply and act as guardian figures, guiding her through the complexities of the afterlife.
Exploration of Themes
Beetlejuice, directed by Tim Burton, is a visually stunning and darkly comedic film that explores a variety of intriguing themes. From the afterlife to the supernatural and identity, the movie weaves these themes together to create a whimsical and thought-provoking narrative. Here are some of the prominent themes explored in the film:
Death and the Afterlife: Death is a central theme in Beetlejuice. The story begins with the accidental deaths of the Maitland couple, Adam and Barbara, who find themselves navigating the afterlife. The film delves into questions about the nature of death, the existence of an afterlife, and how spirits interact with the living world.
The Supernatural and the Unknown: The movie introduces viewers to the supernatural world, filled with ghosts, spirits, and other mysterious entities. It highlights the fascination and fear that come with encountering the unknown and the existence of forces beyond the human realm.
Identity and Transformation: Several characters in the film undergo transformation and growth. Lydia, the gothic teenager, struggles to find acceptance and her place in the world. Her encounters with the Maitlands and the supernatural beings lead her to explore her identity and eventually embrace her uniqueness.
Dysfunctional Families and Relationships: The Deetz family, who moves into the Maitland's haunted house, serves as a portrayal of a dysfunctional family unit. The film examines the strained relationships between family members and the challenges they face in understanding and supporting one another.
Friendship and Connection: Beetlejuice portrays unlikely friendships and connections. The genuine bond between Lydia and the Maitlands demonstrates that relationships can transcend the boundaries of life and death. It emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in forming meaningful connections.
The Power of Words and Manipulation: The character of Beetlejuice himself demonstrates the power of words and manipulation. His name alone gives him significant control over others, highlighting the consequences of carelessly invoking or summoning dark forces.
Environmental and Moral Themes: The transformation of the Maitland's peaceful countryside into a corrupted and polluted landscape under Beetlejuice's influence subtly raises environmental and moral questions about human impact on the world.
Beetlejuice skillfully blends these themes together, creating a film that is both visually enchanting and thematically rich. It invites viewers to explore the realms of the supernatural, reflect on the complexities of life and death, and embrace the uniqueness of each individual's journey. The film's dark humor and fantastical elements ensure an entertaining and thought-provoking cinematic experience for audiences of all ages.
Beetlejuice and Christianity?
Some themes in Beetlejuice resonate with certain aspects of Christianity. It's important to note that Beetlejuice is a work of fiction and not specifically intended to align with any religious beliefs. However, viewers may interpret certain themes through their own religious or philosophical lenses. Here are some connections that could be made between the film and Christianity:
Death and the Afterlife: Christianity, like many other religions, has beliefs about the afterlife and what happens to the soul after death. In Beetlejuice, the theme of death and the existence of an afterlife are central elements of the story. The film's portrayal of spirits and the supernatural could prompt discussions or reflections on Christian views of the soul and the journey after death.
Identity and Transformation: The theme of identity and transformation can relate to Christian teachings on personal growth and spiritual transformation. Christianity emphasizes the idea of being born again or experiencing a transformation of the heart and soul through faith and spiritual connection.
Friendship and Connection: In Christianity, community and fellowship are essential aspects of faith. The friendship and connection between Lydia and the Maitlands could resonate with Christian values of compassion, empathy, and supporting one another in times of need.
The Power of Words and Manipulation: Christianity often emphasizes the importance of truthfulness, using words wisely, and avoiding manipulation. The consequences of invoking Beetlejuice's name in the film could be seen as a cautionary reminder of the power of language and the need to use it responsibly.
It's essential to recognize that interpretations of themes can vary widely among individuals, and different Christian denominations or believers may have different perspectives on the film's themes and how they relate to their faith. As with any work of art, the interpretation is subjective and can be influenced by personal beliefs and experiences.
Assessment
Drawing from the information above, your own discerning viewing and the conversations we have had in class, complete this form, as your first assessment for the term.