Movie Review: Corpse Bride

By Frank H. Woodward Sep 16, 2005, 15:00 GMT

Corpse Bride carries on in the dark, romantic tradition of Tim Burton’s classic films Edward Scissorhands and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Set in a 19th century European village, this stop-motion, animated feature follows the story of Victor (Johnny Depp), a young man who is whisked away to the underworld and wed to a mysterious Corpse Bride (Helena Bonham-Carter), while his real bride, Victoria (Emily Watson), waits bereft in the land ...more

Tim Burton's CORPSE BRIDE is chock-full of Halloween treats (even if it is only September).  Equal parts Edward Gorey, Hammer horror films, and Disneyland's Haunted Mansion, THE CORPSE BRIDE is also the clear progeny of  Burton's earlier fantasias. 

This puppet animated romp covers a lot of the same terrain as BEETLEJUICE and A NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, but is much more keen in its realization than either film.  Part of this may be due to the limitless creativity animation offers a filmmaker.  It may also be that, unlike NIGHTMARE, Burton actually had a hand in directing this time around.  Without Henry Selick (the director of NIGHTMARE and JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH) acting as middle man, CORPSE BRIDE has much more of Burton's macabre touch.  The story (written by John August (BIG FISH), Pamela Pettler and Caroline Thompson (EDWARD SCISSORHANDS)) is also well suited to his strengths.

CORPSE BRIDE is based on a Ukrainian folk tale.  It tells the tale of Victor Van Dort (voiced by Johnny Depp).  On the eve of his arranged marriage to Victoria Everglot (Emily Watson), things go horribly wrong.  While the shy man is practicing his vows in the old woods, he places the ring on the wrong twig (actually a skeleton hand sticking up from the snow).  Victor finds himself betrothed to the Corpse Bride (Helena Bonham Carter).  He also finds himself in a gothic love triangle that involves the land of the living, the dead... and a murder most foul.

As with most animated films these days, the expected level of craftsmanship is always high (call it the Pixar Factor).  CORPSE BRIDE does not disappoint.  Burton, along with co-director Mike Johnson (of TVs THE PJS) makes sure the film displays great detail in its design and in its character.  It also showcases Burton's childlike love of dead and creepy things. 

The land of the living is a dreary, monochrome place with inhabitants just as skewed as any monster.  The land of the dead, meanwhile, is alive with colors and ghoulishly clever sight gags (a head waiter who's only a head and a maggot who, due to his living in the Corpse Bride's brain, also acts as her conscience are two fine examples).

There's also a healthy dash of new Danny Elfman tunes (as Mr. Bonejangles, Elfman even sings the tale of the Corpse Bride in a show stopping set piece).  His songs have improved much since NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS.  The lyrics propel the story forward as well as add depth to the proceedings.  They're much more akin to true musical theatre or the spot on Ashman/Menken tunes of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.  More importantly, they're fun to listen to and don't slow the film down.

Unfortunately the film's rich detail peters out towards the end.  Characters are unceremoniously dropped from the story.  Even the resolution of the central love triangle is overly simplified (though it makes sense, you wish such creative minds as Burton, August and Thompson could have written something with a little more "oomph").

None of this ruins the fun, however.  What it does do is leave you wanting more.  CORPSE BRIDE may seem abbreviated in its final moments, but it lives a great life while it lasts.

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