The Puzzling Enigma of Edward Scissorhands: Unraveling the Mysteries of Tim Burton's Classic

The Curious Case of Edward's Existence

Edward Scissorhands, released in 1990, has long been celebrated as a masterpiece in Tim Burton's filmography. However, beneath its whimsical charm lies a web of enigmatic elements that have left audiences scratching their heads for over three decades.

The Suburb prominently featured in Edward Scissorhands resembles a multi-colored 1950s suburb

The film revolves around the titular character, a peculiar artificial man with scissor hands, and his experiences in a surreal suburban neighborhood. One of the film's most confounding aspects is the reaction of the suburbanites to Edward's existence. Despite their penchant for gossip and voyeurism, it is puzzling that they would be taken aback by the discovery of someone like Edward in their midst. The unmissable dark mansion where Edward was created should have been a telltale sign, raising questions about the residents' feigned surprise.

Joyce and another group of women stand against a wall and gossip about Edward while smoking and drinking in Edward Scissorhands

The strong characterization of the suburbanites as vain and superficial adds to the perplexity, as it seems implausible that they would be oblivious to Edward's presence given their penchant for prying into others' affairs. These conflicting portrayals of the suburban residents contribute to the enduring mystery surrounding Edward's existence in the film.

Edward looks remorseful and Kim looks contemplative in a promotional still for Edward Scissorhands

The Rating Riddle: PG-13 Paradox

Another enigma shrouding Edward Scissorhands is the perplexing PG-13 rating it received, considering its mature themes and unconventional protagonist. The film delves into complex subjects such as mental health and exploitation, presenting a narrative that straddles the line between a love story and a dark fairy tale.

Edward Scissorhands attempting to eat a single pea at the family dinner table with his scissor hands in Edward Scissorhands

The uncanny juxtaposition of whimsy and darkness in Edward Scissorhands raises questions about the film's rating, especially when compared to other movies that received stricter classifications for far less provocative content. The film's ability to navigate the stringent rating system of Hollywood, particularly during a time when the standards were more lenient, adds another layer of intrigue to its enduring legacy.

Edward struggles to express himself while inside The Inventor's mansion in Edward Scissorhands

Timeline Turmoil and Technological Tangle

Edward Scissorhands' perplexing timeline and anachronistic aesthetic further contribute to the enduring mystique of the film. While the technological aspects and setting of the film align with the 1990s, the overall aesthetic of the suburban neighborhood is unmistakably reminiscent of the 1950s.

The Inventor prepares to put a Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookie Heart onto Edward's robotic skeleton in Edward Scissorhands

However, a peculiar dissonance arises when Edward's appearance on a television show introduces elements more fitting for the 1960s, creating a temporal conundrum that adds to the film's enigmatic allure. The deliberate blending of disparate eras and styles in Edward Scissorhands elevates its fantastical elements, while simultaneously confounding audiences with its ambiguous temporal setting.

Edward awkwardly leans into a microphone while a poodle looks away in what appears to be a television show set in the 1960s in Edward Scissorhands