
Dark, irreverent,
and wildly funny; Beetlejuice was Tim Burton's second feature
film. The story, if it can be said to have one, revolves around
a quaint, quiet, all-American house, the two families that inhabit
it, and a Bio-Exorcist by the name of Betelgeuse. The film and its
characters are basically excuses to spring one-liner after one-liner
and sight gag after sight gag, (which would have been a problem
for the film had they fallen flat) all wrapped up in a strange yet
enormously entertaining package.

If Pee-wee's
Big Adventure saw Burton grow as a storyteller, then Beetlejuice
was the film that hailed Burton as a true visual stylist in Hollywood
with his own unique voice. Working with acclaimed production designer
(later turned director) Bo Welch, Burton created one of the most
visually distinct films of all time. The filmmakers used the obviously
shoe-string budget to their advantage, designing a world that revelled
in all its low-budget glory. This technique could have very easily
plunged the film into the dreaded world of camp and self-parody.
However, because the storytelling and direction were so confident
in the tone of the film, it all came together in a most surprising
and ceaselessly inventive way.

A special mention
has to go to the performances in the film; particularly that of
Michael Keaton as Betelgeuse. His is absolutely one of the most
iconic characters and performances in modern American film, tearing
through cliché and subtlety to create a one-man house party.
The exquisite make-up work on the character could have very easily
intimidated another actor into delivering a dialed-down performance,
however Keaton went all out for the role, and amazingly it's his
persona and not the make-up effects that leave the biggest impression
on the audience.

Over 15 years after
its release, Tim Burton's Beetlejuice remains a revered
comedy classic and an important film in the career of a young filmmaker
who was only beginning to wow us with his distinct way of looking
at life (...or the after-life) and making films.
Joe Cortez 2004
You can discuss the film with other Burton fans in our Beetlejuice
forum.
Links:
Internet
Movie Database page
Website for the Recently Deceased
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