Resurrecting the Dead: Tim Burton's Journey to Reviving his Passion for Filmmaking with Beetlejuice 2

Summary

Beetlejuice 2 "reinvigorated" Tim Burton's love of making movies, helping him combat a feeling of sinking into his own grave.

Working with familiar artists and utilizing old filmmaking techniques on Beetlejuice 2 evoked a delightful blend of nostalgia and revitalizing energy for Burton. Despite the unfortunate SAG-AFTRA strike truncating their filming schedule, Burton's unwavering commitment to completing Beetlejuice 2 remains steadfast.

Tim Burton's love for filmmaking was reignited by Beetlejuice 2. Following the success of Wednesday, Burton is teaming up with Jenna Ortega again to bring fans the long-awaited sequel to his 1988 film. Alongside Ortega, Beetlejuice 2 stars a talented cast including Michael Keaton, Willem Dafoe, Monica Bellucci, Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara, and Justin Theroux.

In an interview with the British Film Institute, Burton shared that Beetlejuice 2 has revitalized his passion for making movies. The project served as a source of inspiration, pulling him out of a place where he felt like he was losing his spark. By collaborating with familiar artists and embracing traditional filmmaking techniques, Burton discovered a renewed sense of energy on the set of Beetlejuice 2.

Fortunately, we had a day and a half remaining before the strike took place. I consider myself fortunate that we made considerable progress. The project is almost complete, around 98 or 99%. It was an incredible experience that reignited my passion for filmmaking.

Collaborating with this group once more and reuniting with everyone was a deeply emotional experience. Returning to the familiar puppets and techniques brought back a sense of nostalgia for the good old days.

After 4 Decades of Filmmaking, Burton Understandably Needs Energy

For a moment, it felt as if I was descending into my own grave. However, the degree of enthusiasm largely depends on various factors. The act of creating, regardless of whether it manifests as a drawing or a film, invigorates me. I believe that, particularly with regards to my most recent project, my motivation stems from the dynamic collaboration with these talented artists.

In 1985, Burton made his directorial debut with the whimsical and absurd Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. From that point forward, his distinctive style veered towards the ghoulish and eerie. He helmed iconic films like Edward Scissorhands, Corpse Bride, and Sweeney Todd, while also showcasing his whimsical touch with adaptations like Alice in Wonderland and Big Fish.

Beetlejuice played a crucial role in establishing Burton as a prominent director. The film showcased his unique visual style and penchant for blending the bizarre with the horror genre. Due to his strong connection with the original film, Burton is particularly inspired by Beetlejuice 2. He is collaborating with both original cast members and new characters, furthering his commitment to the project. However, time constraints resulting from the SAG-AFTRA strike meant that only two days of filming remained for Beetlejuice 2. This means that there is limited on-set work left, but the film's completion will require significant efforts from the cast and crew once the strike is over. Despite these challenges, Burton's recent comments suggest that he is ready and willing to meet them head-on.

Source: British Film Institute