Edward Scissorhands

Story

In America an old inventor artificially creates a human called Edward who has scissor blades for hands. He teaches Edward at home in his Gothic mansion but before he can give him real hands he dies. Years later, a saleswoman called Peg Boggs discovers Edward and, when she sees he is gentle and harmless, she takes him home. How will the neighbours react to Edward?

Why we chose it

A modern fairy tale - Edward Scissorhands combines comedy and romance, fantasy and fable, in a visually beautiful story of an outsider.

Where it came from

As a teenager director Tim Burton, had drawn a thin man with long blades for fingers, reflecting his feeling of loneliness and isolation. This personal story was also was also inspired by Universal Horror films like Frankenstein (1931) and fairy tales like Beauty and the Beast. Johnny Depp was inspired by performances of Charlie Chaplin, wanting to create sympathy without speaking.

Where it went next

It was nominated for various awards and most notably won a BAFTA for Best Production Design (Bo Welch). It has inspired a ballet adaptation by British choreographer Matthew Bourne (2005). Also, an extinct sea creature with scissor-like claws was named after Johnny Depp (Kootenichela deppi).

Associated stories

There are no direct sequels, but from 2014 - 2015 IDW Publishing released a comic series which takes place several decades after the film (written by Kate Leth, art by Drew Rausch).

The film was the first project Tim Burton and Johnny Depp worked on together. They went on to make films such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), Corpse Bride (2006), and Alice in Wonderland (2013).