Tim Burton’s stop motion animation is a little gem, encapsulating many of his typical preoccupations more successfully than much of his live action work. In the familiar Burtonesque American suburb (called New Holland), all fifties hairstyles and identical houses, young Victor Frankenstein is a loner obsessed with science. His only friend is Sparky, his dog. One fateful day, Sparky is run over and killed. Distraught with grief, Victor decides (after seeing the effects of electricity on a dead frog in science class) to reanimate his pet. Although prone to have parts fall off of him, and to need a regular recharge from the mains, Sparky is much the same. However, Victor’s act of love will have repercussions for the rest of New Holland, especially when the other classmates find out what he has done and attempt to reanimate other animals…
As a family film, Frankenweenie works well as it offers treats for both the kids and their parents. For the nippers (not too little, mind, as there are scary and semi-gruesome moments) there is the identifiable plot of a child and their pet and the scenes with Victor and Sparky are charming and touching. The gruesome parts are mostly played for laughs with a reanimated Sparky wagging his tail so hard it flies off. The puppets are wonderfully designed, especially the Igor like Edgar, resembling some hideous insect and the Science teacher, modelled on Vincent Price and voiced by legend Martin Landau. There are very funny parts, such as when the newly animated Sparky escapes and causes minor chaos and plenty of action when the town is suddenly menaced by reanimated sea monkeys, a rat and a giant Godzilla like tortoise called Stella.
For the adults, as well as the sumptuous monochrome visuals (reminding us of how effective black and white can be) there’s a chance for us to reflect on that special relationship between a child and a pet. Burton mines his own life here, the loss of his dog already leading him to make a short version of Frankenweenie at the very start of his career. Victor is obviously largely based on Burton, the awkward kid who would rather be in his room making home movies with puppets than playing sports with the other boys. There are also some great in jokes for us, especially the clever Bride of Frankenstein moment and numerous other nods to classic horror movies. The odd cat Mr Whiskers being turned into a cat/bat monster is a highlight. Frankenweenie is also one of Burton’s more affecting films, reminding me of Edward Scissorhands in many ways but with a happier ending. Animation is a medium that suits the larger than life Grimm fairytale sensibility that Burton possesses, perhaps suiting it better than live action. Frankenweenie is deserving of a watch by more than just the kids.
GK Rating: ****
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