Tim Burton rewatch! After the mega-success of Batman, Burton’s next film was more of a personal film. But one full of outrageous humor, far-out visuals, and a lot of heart. Get out the ambrosia salad, because here’s Edward Scissorhands (1990).

Here’s what happens: Somewhere in suburbia, the local Avon lady decides to try her luck at the deserted old mansion on the hill. There, she discovers Edward, an unfinished mechanical man with scissors for hands. She takes him home with her, setting off a series of events that transforms her neighborhood, brings about some unrequited teen romance, and answers the question, “Where does snow come from?”

Origin story: Tim Burton allegedly came up with the story himself, including his own drawings of Edward, and then brought in screenwriting superstar Caroline Thompson to further flesh out the story. This is often described as Burton’s most autobiographical film, looking back on his alleged childhood as the only goth kid in his sunny California town.

Outsider theory: I don’t know if any Burton character is more of an outsider than Edward. All the suburbanites are drawn to the artwork – topiaries, haircuts, etc. – but they also consider him dangerous, or at least worthy of an entire answering machine tape’s worth of gossip.

Reality breaks through: While the suburbs start out as a magical, if quirky, new home for Edward, this movie is all about the real world butting in on the fantasy. The angry teens and the local gruff cop are a lot more “real” than the comedic sitcom-style parents and neighbors. So real, in fact, that they drive Edward back to the gloomy old mansion by the end of the movie.

Best bits: Neighbor: “The guys and I were talking, and we’d want to invite you to our card game on Friday night. Would you like that? The only thing is, you can’t cut!”

Thoughts on this viewing: You could argue that Edward Scissorhands is outdated, but for the most part it still plays. The little absurdities of suburban life combined with the weirdness of Edward make for winning comedy. Add to that an old-fashioned yet heartfelt romance at the core of it all, and the movie is an all-timer.

Next: The cat and the Cobblepot.

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Want more? Check out my ongoing serial, THE SUBTERKNIGHTS, on Kindle Vella. A man searches for his missing sister in a sprawling city full of far-out tech and secret magic. It’s a sci-fi/fantasy hybrid full of action, romance, mystery, and laughs. The first three chapters are FREE! Click here for a list of all my books and serials.