SCENE ANALYSIS: EDWARD SCISSORHANDS

     The opening sequence of Edward Scissorhands reveals many of the conventions associated with the horror genre but these are offset by elements of comedy and romance. As the credits roll, the eerie music, the graphics (names white on black, making jagged scissor shapes) and the predominant colors of black and white establish the relationship with the "horror" genre. We then see visual images associated with the conventional "haunted house" (huge door closing, cobwebs, strange gadgets) yet the music becomes lighter, more frivolous and on closer inspection some of the gadgets look like toys, reminding the audience that this is not a horror film. The motif of falling snow, associated with Edward and used throughout the film, creates an atmosphere of tranquillity and romance which again contrasts with the horror images.

      Color and music are used to highlight the differences between the two "worlds" of the film. The first time color is used is when the grandmother is telling the story of Edward Scissorhands to the little girl in the oversized bed. Visually, this scene is reminiscent of a fairytale (specifically Little Red Riding Hood) and is another means used by Burton to indicate the purpose of his story. The two worlds are contrasted visually by the use of color, pastel colours and uniform shapes of the suburban houses differing completely from the black and white of the derelict castle. The suburban world is apparently perfect with its cloudless blue sky, spotless houses, well-kept gardens and stereotypical inhabitants who are contrasted with the imperfection of the "unfinished" Edward Scissorhands .