Ed Wood

I've only had the "pleasure" of seeing one of Ed's films, Plan 9 from Outer Space. Yes, it was terrible, but Tim Burton decided to show us that things were different. He devoted two hours of film time to a colleague who remained only misunderstood. The incredible enthusiasm he had for his films was infectious, and this work oozes it in every frame. In my opinion, this is Johnny Depp's best career performance, where a genuine smile towards the producer is enough to win over the audience entirely, bringing almost childishly uncontained joy in every scene from his own work. When the legendary interview with Orson Welles takes place, one of the most mesmerizing, touching, and beautiful endings in the cinematic heaven begins to unfold. Hats off to Tim, hats off to Johnny, and rest in peace, Ed. (21.10.2005)

A very pleasant film that almost makes you want to fulfil your unrealistic dreams, or watch one of Ed’s movies. I don’t like Tim Burton very much, but here he did a good job with the talented Johnny Depp portraying an untalented director in a film that irradiates such enthusiasm (about cinema and people) that it’s almost hard to believe. A beautifully positive movie (about basically quite sad things…) that will certainly not ruin your mood. 9/10 (06.07.2009)

Ed Wood is not perfect, as it slightly runs out of steam in the final quarter. Even so, the feelings that every memory of it evokes in me, spurred mainly by listening to the endearing soundtrack, represent the ignition of the greatest spark of movie-fan enthusiasm. What Schindler’s List is for Spielberg, Ed Wood is for Tim Burton. And for me – a fan of even very bad films – it is a beautiful tribute to the art of filmmaking. Burton serves up a roller-coaster ride with every character, every facial expression of Johnny Depp, every charming and comical scene. It’s a treasure! (04.06.2005)

The story of "the worst director of all time" and his best creative years, the period that gave rise to Wood's most famous films Glen Or Glenda, Bride of the Monster and Plan 9 From Outer Space, the making of which Tim Burton charmingly brings to life in this biopic. The result is all the more enjoyable if the viewer is familiar with any of these three films, and it works in retrospect – I was tempted to replay some of the scenes after Burton's film was over. The most striking aspect is its impeccable period styling, the film oozes with the atmosphere of 1950s Hollywood. As for the actors, the biggest trump card was the biggest weakness in my eyes. No one can convince me that Depp wasn’t grossly overacting in some moments, even the role of a man full of enthusiasm, which Ed Wood probably was (if the screenwriter is to be believed), can be played more sparingly. But Martin Landau as Bela Lugosi was a treat, you can't spoil such a well-written role, here the Oscar was well deserved. Ed Wood could only dream about an Oscar, which doesn't change the fact that thanks to this film he became my favourite and I can't have enough of his duds, which are lousy but made with love. (27.09.2004)

Burton in an artistic position is somewhat unusual - stripped of color, completely immersed in visions of someone other than himself... is it really someone different? One cannot ignore the sympathy and empathy with which Tim delves into the world of the worst filmmaker of all time, with which he absorbs his imagery and transforms them into his brilliant and refined style. It is as if Wood’s chaos has become a complete film form, which lacks all the amateurism of the "master’s" messes, but it also does not lack special enthusiasm and deep interest. A dream is what Burton’s Ed Wood is all about, and it is this stubbornness, the surrender of one's own vision, no matter how bizarre, that is Wood's biggest contribution to the Dream Factory in this film. Depp enjoys playing the eccentric fool, he brings his innate exhibitionism into the womanish mannerisms, and into Wood's manic animation his ability to charge the character with naturalness and enthusiasm. However, he clearly stands in the shadow of Martin Landau, whose Lugosi is enchanting, charismatic, full of magic and human vulnerability. And it is the Wood-Lugosi relationship that ultimately creates a line that overwhelms everyone else. We will not find this sort of image of mental harmony in any other Burton film. Although Ed Wood is a little outside of the master's filmography, it is definitely one of his most distinctive works. (15.10.2007)