3. Before, I was never very keen on Tim Burton and his
style of films, which is why, despite seeing
trailers, posters and other advertisements, I still didn’t
want to watch this movie. However, I surprisingly really
enjoyed Burton’s interesting take on the classic story. I
liked the mix of real people in the animated
wonderland, and the tension and excitement that
continued to build up until Alice had to slay the Queen’s
monster. There is a lot of energy in this, which is why I
am pleased with it.
Again, I liked this film more than I thought I would. I
was entertained by the small jokes that were made
every know and again and I also enjoyed it more
towards the end when there were a few action scenes.
However, I did feel the story line was a bit rubbish and
at times there seemed to be parts were not much was
happening, It was a decent film though I would definitely
prefer Alice In Wonderland.
4. After watching both Alice In Wonderland and Dark Shadows, I have been able to notice a
number of similar features and conventions that continue to reappear in Burton’s films.
1. Set in the past – We can tell that both films are set in the past/ old London, not only by the
traditional clothing they are wearing but also by the large, ancient houses they live in.
2. Typography – Serif fonts. Although the typography in Alice In Wonderland is more curvy and
crooked, both titles have the little flicks at the ends of each letter, better known as a serif font.
This adds to the very traditional theme Burton likes to display in his films.
3. Lots of mist – Especially at night time, or in forests/woods, a lot of mist can be seen lingering
in the background. This fogginess creates a sense of mystery and a fear of unknown, which is
typical of Tim Burton as he is a very dark director.
4. Reappearing Cast - Johnny Depp and Helena Bonhan Carter have played characters in both
the films I watched. Depp playing Barnabus Collins in Dark Shadows and then the Mad Hatter
in Alice In Wonderland. Carter playing Dr. Julia Hoffman in Dark Shadows and the Red Queen
in Alice. Johnny Depp especially, continues to appear in many other Burton films including
Edward Scissorhands & Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Both starred in the Corpse Bride.
5. Pale Faces – In Dark Shadows, the use of pale faces highlighted the fact that there were
vampires, and the overall supernatural sub-genre, however in Alice In Wonderland, pale faces
are still used but in a different way. The Mad Hatter has a pale face with bright orange
hair, most likely to emphasize his madness.
6. Femme Fatale – The Red Queen & Angelique Bouchard. Though the Red Queen is barely
seductive and attractive, if anything the complete opposite, she, along with Angelique are two
evil and villainous female characters who are mysterious and quite dangerous.
