I have chosen to explore the use of mise en scene and sound within Tim burtons films.
Mis en scene -
To nominate Tim Burton as an auteur, there are many characteristics to take into consideration. The most common characteristics of his style consist of his gothic and dark look. This is usually portrayed within the makeup and costume of characters used in his films. This is one of the strongest arguments to say Burton is an auteur. The 1989 Batman film backs up this point. In the film, Batman discards the history of batman; the camp 1960's tv series. The in comic jokes and this time creates an intricate dark and aggressive tone within batman. In addition, Tim Burton then set the path for the following batman characters. The dark knight etc. Tim burtons gothic style is highlighted in this clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfvKvTlQHuw
Look at batman within the first half of the clip. His dark character is outlined. Pause at 0:29, you can see batmans face is hidden in dark shadows and almost engulfed by the setting. This is a typical burton scene, the dark background and eerie setting creates a perfect habitat for his version of batman.
The genre of the film Batman is an action fantasy, Batman is a social outcast. Living in a cave and being a very lonesome,dark character. This theme is used a lot within burtons films, another film directed by tim burton which includes a dark social outcast is Edward Scissor Hands. The same gothic design is used with the costume and makeup. This sort of character is a stamp of Burtons uniqueness.
For example,here is a scene to show how Tim Burton creates a similar setting within his films. watch this clip from Edward Scissorhands
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Q2G5pIXEb8
As you can see, edward scissorhands is walking through a dark shadowed area confronting a character, just like batman was in the clip above. Just like the batman scene, the setting contains shallow areas of lowkey lighting. Burton uses this in a unique way to create an eerie scene that swallows the character inside of the setting. Adding tension and curiosity for the audience. Another example of tim burton using a social outcast.
My comparison to another film from a different director.
I have chosen to compare 'Batman' the 1966 movie to Tim Burtons edition.
Watch this trailer from the 1966 batman film
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3uhsEaw_-M
Even in the first 20 seconds of the clip. You can see how the costume and setting has differed from Tim Burtons version. Before Tim Burton directed the 1989 version, batman was looked at as a comical character. This is evident within the trailer. His costume is far less interesting and eye catching, his body language alongside the setting makes batman seem even more comical. In my opinion this is proof Tim Burton is an autuer. He has turned a comical spoof like character into a character which creates fear and a high level of interest. Tim Burton had changed Batman in an artistic way, for example the first half of the clip which shows dialogue between batman and robin. The scene has no lowkey lighting, it has high key lighting and no dark,eerie enviroment. This is far less interesting then being intrigued by a Tim Burton's adaptation.
Sound -
Back to the 1989 batman film, Tim Burton without a doubt has a distinct and unique way of using sound. For example, look at this clip (Play from 1:22)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63iuB-cSY7Q
As the joker shoots his boss, carnival/circus music starts to play. This is a contrapuntal soundtrack which identifys Burton's uniqueness. You would think scary/dramatic music would be playing but Tim Burton ignores this. This shows the audience the joker is amused and enjoying murdering his boss. This creates fear and suspense in a unique way. This clip shows Burtons twist on the film. Using contrapuntal sound in this scene creates a sense of shock for the audience as the joker finds it amusing.
If you watch this scene from the Dark Knight (not directed by tim burton)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-rkpgchJOA
You can see that this time, a contrapuntal soundtrack is not evident. Although there is a soundtrack, but it fits the image, there is dramatic music creating a build up. Unlike Burton, this soundtrack is expected and typical for the scene. Where as Tim Burton creates an unexpected atmosphere within the scene in an artistic way. Instead of using what would be expected, this makes the audience more intrigued and interested in the character (s)
I would say Tim Burton without a doubt could be classed as an auteur, as he uses intricate and unexpected ideas to create fear and tension within the audience.
My comparison to another film from a different director.
I have chosen to compare 'Batman' the 1966 movie to Tim Burtons edition.
Watch this trailer from the 1966 batman film
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3uhsEaw_-M
Even in the first 20 seconds of the clip. You can see how the costume and setting has differed from Tim Burtons version. Before Tim Burton directed the 1989 version, batman was looked at as a comical character. This is evident within the trailer. His costume is far less interesting and eye catching, his body language alongside the setting makes batman seem even more comical. In my opinion this is proof Tim Burton is an autuer. He has turned a comical spoof like character into a character which creates fear and a high level of interest. Tim Burton had changed Batman in an artistic way, for example the first half of the clip which shows dialogue between batman and robin. The scene has no lowkey lighting, it has high key lighting and no dark,eerie enviroment. This is far less interesting then being intrigued by a Tim Burton's adaptation.
Sound -
Back to the 1989 batman film, Tim Burton without a doubt has a distinct and unique way of using sound. For example, look at this clip (Play from 1:22)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63iuB-cSY7Q
As the joker shoots his boss, carnival/circus music starts to play. This is a contrapuntal soundtrack which identifys Burton's uniqueness. You would think scary/dramatic music would be playing but Tim Burton ignores this. This shows the audience the joker is amused and enjoying murdering his boss. This creates fear and suspense in a unique way. This clip shows Burtons twist on the film. Using contrapuntal sound in this scene creates a sense of shock for the audience as the joker finds it amusing.
If you watch this scene from the Dark Knight (not directed by tim burton)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-rkpgchJOA
You can see that this time, a contrapuntal soundtrack is not evident. Although there is a soundtrack, but it fits the image, there is dramatic music creating a build up. Unlike Burton, this soundtrack is expected and typical for the scene. Where as Tim Burton creates an unexpected atmosphere within the scene in an artistic way. Instead of using what would be expected, this makes the audience more intrigued and interested in the character (s)
I would say Tim Burton without a doubt could be classed as an auteur, as he uses intricate and unexpected ideas to create fear and tension within the audience.
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