How Does Tim Burton Use Cinematic Techniques

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Tim Burton, a writer and director, has one of the many unique styles in which he utilizes when directing films. While watching his films, imagery, tone, mood, diction, and syntax play a big role. Although, how does he do it? In the movies Charlie In the Chocolate Factory, Edward Scissorhands, and Big Fish, his use of cinematic terms, low key lighting, low angle, and flashback portray the mood and tone. Such as: the feeling of being skeptical, unnatural, and breathtaking. These effects help bring the audience closer to the characters. Burton uses cinematic techniques such as low-key lighting to show how a character and or scene is suspenseful and eerie. In Charlie In the Chocolate Factory, there is a use of low-key lighting when Willy Wonka …show more content…

An example of a low angle shot in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is of the people walking into the factory with the factory behind them, toppling over them. The way of the building toppling the citizens makes them look weak and powerless compared to the factory because the factory is gigantic and contrasts the tiny people. It makes the audience feel how the opening of the factory is a big deal for the citizens. In addition, in the film Edward Scissorhands, Burton also creates low angles when Kim is dancing in the snow that is made from Edward shaving the ice sculptures. This example is efficient in showing how one character can change. Kim now appreciated Edward more than before because in the beginning scenes of Kim and Edward, Kim seemed to be embarrassed of Edward when she was around her friends, but she now valued Edward. An example of low angle shot in Big Fish is when Edward meets up with the giant [Karl] for the first time. This use of low angle shot between Edward and Carl gives an effect, showing that Karl is reckless and Edward is weak because Karl topples over Edward. Burton’s use of low angle shots provides an effective tool to help the audience feel like they have a place in the film and to show the contrast between two