eyeCandy: Corpse Bride (2005) 4/5

Tim Burton is another one of my favourite directors - his work is almost always identifiable without even looking at the credits and Corpse Bride, which he co-directs with Mike Johnson (the PJs - director, James and the Giant Peach - animator), is no exception. Visually this is classic Burton, although interpreted through the fascinating lens of stop-motion claymation. Wherein a typical Burton film the sets and costumes evoke his peculiar vision, here this has been extended through every aspect of the presentation, including the physiology of the "cast" (which is a little more difficult to accomplish when using human actors ;-) ).

The story revolves around Victor (voiced by Johnny Depp, a popular Burton co-conspirator) who, on his way to his arranged marriage, accidentally weds a corpse in the forest (really :-) ). The story, which is actually quite heartfelt as it unfolds, isn't really the focus of this short (76 minute) feature, however. Moreso it is a tour through Burton's quirky imagination, though unfortunately laced with a few too many musical numbers for my taste.

I can't really recommend this movie for anyone who wouldn't typically be interested in animated (or "clay"-mated) fare - there's just not quite enough to hold your interest if you don't find this stuff visually compelling. But for those who like this type of production, it is certainly another welcome addition to the genre.