Ed Wood (1994)

Memorable, crazy movie

I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

I kick myself every time this happens. Why, oh why did I wait so long to watch this movie? It's a complete blast, hearkening back to one of my favorite eras and film genres, 1950's B grade horror and sci-fi, built around the legend and career of cult film favorite Ed Wood Jr. No doubt Johnny Depp is sensational as the title character, and Martin Landau is due accolades as well for his portrayal of horror film icon Bela Lugosi. Ed Wood takes a cue from his own personal film making hero, Orson Welles (Vincent D'Onofrio), who advises the young director that "Visions are worth fighting for". Wood's vision produced such marvelous and demented films as "Glen or Glenda", "Bride of the Monster", "Night of the Ghouls, and my personal favorite, "Plan 9 From Outer Space". Director Tim Burton does a nice job of chronicling the film making career of Wood, who even with all the best intentions, couldn't produce a coherent film if his life depended on it. But they were certainly entertaining in a uniquely creative and humorous way. If nothing else of accomplishment, at least he extended the career of Lugosi, who in his later years descended into the throes of morphine addiction. I got a kick out of the way Lugosi dissed contemporary Boris Karloff any chance he got; it happened in the story at least three or four times. Personally, I enjoy the work of both actors, and it's probably a toss up as to which is the greater movie monster of all time - Frankenstein or Dracula. It's a tough pick.The most ironic thing about this film is that it's better than anything Ed Wood Jr. ever made himself. However I will challenge the idea that "Plan 9 From Outer Space" is the worst movie ever made by the Worst Director of all time. 'Plan 9' doesn't even show up in the One Hundred Lowest Rated Movies ever here on IMDb, and of the clunkers I've seen, I'd have to give the nod to "The Aztec Mummy Against the Humanoid Robot" as the worst one I've ever seen, closely followed by "Goke, Body Snatcher from Hell". Now that I think about it, Ed Wood probably isn't the Worst Director of All Time either, though it's probably a distinction he wouldn't mind owning given the cult following that's been built around his reputation over the years.

If you are a Burton/Depp fan this is the one for you to enjoy! I won't spoil anything of the movie i'll just say that I really enjoy this movie, it has fun parts, dark humor everything to enjoy a good dramatic-comedy biography movie. I think its one of Burton's best treasure of his filmography and one of best Depp performance ever.

Ed Wood is an okay film, but not as great as people make it out to be..., to shoot the film in black and white was a novel idea, but I think this choice hampered the overall viewing experience somewhat, Ed Wood is an eccentric film that would've greatly valued from the use of colour, lot's of colour instead of no colour at all would've been my call, the usage of black and white was to honour the past, give the impression of realism making the film look as though it was actually in the 1950's, but no, it needed bright vibrant colours I'm afraid.Apparently Edward D Wood Jr was the worst director ever, and the film tries to explain why this is so in a bubbly, comedic kind of way..., but after seeing the film, I'm not quite sure, was he the worst director ever? He sure did make some lousy films granted, but the guy had passion and belief and personally I believe there must be worse out there, Wood was a nice, relatable character expertly portrayed by the sublimely talented Johnny Depp. Johnny Depp is a master of his craft, I'm always mesmerised by his performances, he brings something very real out even if his character is very outlandish..., making Depp one of the most talented actors ever most probably; and that poses a question, one of the best actors ever playing the so-called worst director ever, hmm, was Edward Wood actually that poor? Or was Johnny Depp that good at bringing his character alive?Who knows?The supporting cast fitted into the overall project very well, I was particularly impressed with the late wrestler, George "The Animal" Steele, watched him as a wrestler as a youngster, didn't know the guy could even talk, wow, first time I think I've heard the animal say anything. Enjoyable viewing most certainly, but it fails to reach the lofty heights so many people have given it, am I not seeing something that so many others are? Am I really that dull?

I won't write a lot about this masterpiece but I can only say that this Burton's film is one of the best his jobs. I think so not only because I love his movies but also because he created a film which, in my opinion, reflects Wood's personality perfectly. Johnny Depp did his best. He did what not every actor could do to my mind. I also liked that movie is black and white. Thus, I could better feel the epoch which is shown in the film. I gave 7 because some scenes of the film seemed too long but it is not a big problem. The film is great and I definitely recommend it.