A discontented Pumpkin King or a persistent undead bride? Tim Burton’s movies have enthralled people for decades and his stop-motion animated features are no different. Some of Burton’s most popular include the “Corpse Bride” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” With so many good options, which movie should you spend your time on this Halloween season?
I would like to preface this by saying that while the “Corpse Bride” was both directed and produced by Tim Burton, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” was not. Burton authored the story behind the latter film and produced it, but he did not direct it. However, for the sake of this article, we will be referring to both films as Burton’s, since he had such an influence over their production. Now, let us dive into the world of some of Burton’s best and see who reigns victorious!
The “Corpse Bride” follows Victor Van Dort, whose parents are forcing him into an arranged marriage, all set against the backdrop of 19th century Europe. Victor’s parents believe that his marriage to Victoria Everglot, the daughter of wealthy aristocrats, will catapult the Van Dort family into high society. However, they are completely unaware that the Everglots have lost practically everything and are marrying off their daughter in an attempt to stay afloat. After a botched wedding rehearsal, Victor runs into the forest and accidentally summons an undead bride who drags him down to the underworld with her. No longer in the land of the living, Victor must find a way to escape and get back to Victoria, who, after Victor’s disappearance, has been betrothed to a mysteriously terrifying Lord Barkis. As the movie progresses, we come to understand and even sympathize with the undead bride, Emily. This culmination of elements makes for a delightfully spooky love triangle you will not want to miss.
The second film up for discussion is the cult classic “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” We are first introduced to Halloween Town, where the monsters of our nightmares live and breathe. There we meet Jack Skellington, the restless Pumpkin King and leader of Halloween Town. Jack spends the night after yet another Halloween wandering the forest, where he stumbles upon a way into Christmas Town, and becomes obsessed. We are also introduced to Sally, a ragdoll who has silently watched Jack for years, too afraid to confess her feelings to him. Filled with catchy songs and heartfelt moments, this is a movie worth watching.
Overall, both films are beautifully written and masterfully executed pieces of stop-motion animation. That said, if you were to watch any Tim Burton movie this Halloween season, it should be the “Corpse Bride.” It will have you laughing at the Van Dorts’ absurdity one moment and crying over Emily’s struggle with her humanity the next. The “Corpse Bride” is a movie that will keep its viewers entertained from beginning to end and is a perfect choice this October.
