A classic 90s gothic drama directed by Tim Burton is streaming now for free on ITVX – perfect for the Christmas break.
Released in 1991, Edward Scissorhands tells the story of the titular creation (played by Johnny Depp), a man forged by a lonely inventor (Vincent Price) who passes away before he could complete his masterpiece, leaving him with scissors for hands.
When kindly Avon lady Peg Boggs (Dianne Wiest) calls on his dilapidated manor, she discovers Edward all alone, and takes him into her family home alongside husband, Bill (Alan Arkin), and her children Kim (Winona Ryder) and Kevin (Robert Oliveri).
Edward struggles to fit into suburban life, being ostracised and chased from his new home for a crime he did not commit.
The film was a huge financial and commercial success, grossing more than four times its budget and receiving several Academy Award nominations.
It marked the final film of Price’s released during his lifetime before he passed away in 1993.
The film was also the first collaboration between Burton and Johnny Depp, with the two going on to work together on the likes of Sleepy Hollow, Corpse Bride, Sweeney Todd, and many more.
Edward Scissorhands is often considered one of the best of Burton’s films, with many going as far as to label it a ‘timeless masterpiece.’
The romantic fantasy film holds a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critics’ consensus reading: ‘The first collaboration between Johnny Depp and Tim Burton, Edward Scissorhands is a magical modern fairy tale with gothic overtones and a sweet center.’
In their review, the Daily Telegraph said: ‘Burton’s modern fairytale has an almost palpably personal feel: it is told gently, subtly and with infinite sympathy for an outsider who charms the locals but then inadvertently arouses their baser instincts.’
Rolling Stone wrote: ‘Burton’s richly entertaining update of the Frankenstein story is the year’s most comic, romantic and haunting film fantasy.’
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Variety lauded it a ‘delightful and delicate comic fable’, while the Washington Post said it was ‘dark yet heartfelt.’
Cinematic Lovelies gushed: ‘This is one of Burton’s best and it’s one of aesthetic power and emotional resonance. It’s a magical odyssey of invention and human emotion, with a distinguishable tone and look. This one is for the weirdos.’
Meanwhile, Film Inquiry added: ‘With Burton’s surreal illustrative ingenuity, Depp and Ryder’s career-making performances, and a story filled with simplicity, complexity, and intangible wizardry that stands the test of time, Edward Scissorhands is one of the greatest films ever.’
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly back in 2015, Burton reflected on Edward Scissorhands’ incredible legacy and the prospect of a sequel.
‘No. I think things like that are nightmares,’ he admitted. ‘For me, they’re very singular things, and I think — yeah, some things, I easily get why you make more movies.
‘Trilogies, and sequels, and octogoni. I get it. But for me, they’re usually just singular things.’
Edward Scissorhands is streaming now on ITVX.
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