The film, Edward Scissorhands, portrays a
suburban community that protects itself through exclusion. It is the
typical suburbia, described by Robert Fishman in Bourgeois Utopias
which is based on the principal of exclusion. Through exaggeration, Tim
Burton, the director of the film, offers an insight on the
misunderstanding, mistreatment, and exploitation often experienced by
"outsiders". "Outsiders" can include a broad group of people. In the
class readings, we have seen that this could include anyone of a
different race, class, religion, sexual orientation, or even mentality.
As in Edward Scissorhand's case, many of these victims are talented,
creative, and intelligent. However, their potentials are never realized
in the hostile environment of exclusion. When coupled with the ideal of
conformity
these barriers will only perpetuate the problems. Furthermore, the
denial of
self-expression will only deprive society from growth and development.
Burton's commentary seems not to pertain only to suburbia, but possibly
to all exclusionary elements of society.
Film Summary | Themes and Interpretations | Female Roles |
Male Roles | Diversity Averse | Final Thoughts |