The Tim Burton film, showing none of the classic Tim Burton style other than starring Johnny Depp, was a work of art and slightly depressing. It was done in black and white and followed a young director named Ed Woods in hopes of becoming a fast rising success such as Orson Welles. Unfortunately, this man was terrible at making movies. He made movies as quickly as possible, occasionally resorting to illegal activities to get his shots. He ended up befriending a washed up actor, Lugosi, who played Dracula and has since been on the decline in both popularity and health.
The film itself is an interesting look into the life of a 50′s movie director, well, a bad 50′s movie director. I wonder the kind of movies he would make these days with technology getting cheaper and the chances of producing a great looking film are greater than ever. All he would need is a computer and a camera and he’ll be set.
I mention that it’s a bit depressing because he never does hit it big. He will always be a failure and even with his highlights, there’s too little to be redeemed by. But hey, he made a ton of films and became known for it. One way or another, he is still talked about after his death. Now that’s an achievement you can’t knock down.
I had to check it out for myself, but his short film Glen or Glenda actually exists. The story of a transvestite, played by Ed Wood which acted like a biopic of his own cross-dressing habits, was made. I watched part of it on YouTube and it’s just shocking to see this come out from the 50′s.
Overall, it was enjoyable. It’s amazing to see that this is based on a true story. This is one of those “too crazy not to be true” situations. Johnny Depp was incredible. I don’t see enough of his movies where he actually plays a “normal” man. And it was strange to hear that high voice he used.
I guess my new goal in life is to be more successful than the worst director in the world. Sadly, that’s easier said than done. Worst director or not, he has a lot of movies made under his belt.
