Tim Burton’s ‘Ed Wood’ (1994) – Retro Review

There are two names in the horror genre that I would stick to: David Howard Thornton and Bela Lugosi. I watched Lugosi’s movies repeatedly because he reminds me of my grandpa, who spoke English with a heavy Hungarian accent. After years of living with him and my grandma, I learned to process what he was talking about.

As a child, I would watch Universal Horror movies. My favorite actor in them was, of course, Bela Lugosi. He is a personal hero, even with his tragic end.

I’ve said all this to introduce Tim Burton’s satire, Ed Wood, which turns 30 on October 7, 2024. The film is about passionate director Ed Wood who convinced film legend Bella Lugosi to be involved in his projects. I will do my best to review it out of love.

The Story

In 1994, Ed Wood was a star in the cult movie genre. As a fan of cheap B movies, this film made me laugh, cry, and cheer him on. I love bad movies, and I wasn’t let down with this one. There is nothing about Ed Wood that I don’t like; I think it is an excellent portrayal of what filmmaking and Hollywood was like in the ‘50s, and the entire cast did their best work in this movie. I could watch this film ten million times and still feel that way. It is as close to a movie to me as Angus (1994). These were both my go-to movies all the time, but Ed Wood still gets the win.

Synopsis:

Ambitious but troubled movie director Edward D. Wood Jr. tries his best to fulfill his dreams despite his lack of talent.

My Opinion

Ed Wood is a perfect movie. It portrays the weird side of Hollywood at the time. The rejects from society, including the elusive Vampira (Lisa Marie), are the people Hollywood forgot. Together, they make Plan 9 From Outer Space, Ed’s vision of the movie he will be remembered for, and slowly bounce back from the ultimate tragic loss of Bela Lugosi. I am not afraid to admit I cry when that scene is playing. This movie had a perfect casting and a great story to run with. This was Tim Burton’s best work—even the cheesy black-and-white setting. The film showed more of Ed’s behind-the-scenes story, as well as everyone involved’s backstory, because everyone has one.

Ed Wood was a legend in his own mind, hiding his secrets of wearing taboo clothing choices, including ladies’ underwear; that’s what inspired him to make Glen or Glenda. Another flopped movie to his mix, but a movie that was so important to him. I must admit, Wood was a genius with no funding. He did it all himself and created films for which he would be remembered.

The story told in Ed Wood reminds me of those cheap Syfy afternoon movies, especially when I look at what he wanted behind the scenes. You can feel the pain and the courage and love from within. It was so different from your usual biography. Ed Wood makes you feel it the entire time. You won’t get bored or sleepy watching this fantastic mess unfold.

In The End

I would gladly give this movie a perfect ten. Ed Wood is solid gold, and I stand behind that. Everyone deserves a piece of the pie. I will quote James Stokes from a recent interview:

“If you’re not failing, you’re not trying.”

Here’s to the weirdos and people chasing their uncommon ideas. It’s okay to be you, and eventually, you learn to love yourself for who you are. We know what we like and sometimes that’s “terrible” movies.