Ed Wood

Ed Wood ist nicht perfekt. Im letzten Viertel wird allmählich sein Akku leer. Aber auch so – die Gefühle, die in mir jede Erinnerung an den Film hervorruft, ausgelöst vor allem durch das Anhören des niedlichen Soundtracks, stellen eine Zündung des größten Film-Fan-Funkens dar. Das, was für Spielberg Schindlers Liste bedeutet, ist für Tim Burton Ed Wood. Ich bin auch ein Fan von sehr schlechten Filmen, deshalb ist dieser Film für mich eine Hommage an die Filmarbeit. Mit jeder Figur, mit jeder Grimasse von Johnny Depp, mit jeder bezaubernden und gleichzeitig komischen Szene, die Burton wie auf einer Achterbahn serviert. It's a treasure! (04.06.2005)

The story of "the worst director of all time" and his best creative years, the period that gave rise to Wood's most famous films Glen Or Glenda, Bride of the Monster and Plan 9 From Outer Space, the making of which Tim Burton charmingly brings to life in this biopic. The result is all the more enjoyable if the viewer is familiar with any of these three films, and it works in retrospect – I was tempted to replay some of the scenes after Burton's film was over. The most striking aspect is its impeccable period styling, the film oozes with the atmosphere of 1950s Hollywood. As for the actors, the biggest trump card was the biggest weakness in my eyes. No one can convince me that Depp wasn’t grossly overacting in some moments, even the role of a man full of enthusiasm, which Ed Wood probably was (if the screenwriter is to be believed), can be played more sparingly. But Martin Landau as Bela Lugosi was a treat, you can't spoil such a well-written role, here the Oscar was well deserved. Ed Wood could only dream about an Oscar, which doesn't change the fact that thanks to this film he became my favourite and I can't have enough of his duds, which are lousy but made with love. (27.09.2004)

A very pleasant film that almost makes you want to fulfil your unrealistic dreams, or watch one of Ed’s movies. I don’t like Tim Burton very much, but here he did a good job with the talented Johnny Depp portraying an untalented director in a film that irradiates such enthusiasm (about cinema and people) that it’s almost hard to believe. A beautifully positive movie (about basically quite sad things…) that will certainly not ruin your mood. 9/10 (06.07.2009)

I've only had the "pleasure" of seeing one of Ed's films, Plan 9 from Outer Space. Yes, it was terrible, but Tim Burton decided to show us that things were different. He devoted two hours of film time to a colleague who remained only misunderstood. The incredible enthusiasm he had for his films was infectious, and this work oozes it in every frame. In my opinion, this is Johnny Depp's best career performance, where a genuine smile towards the producer is enough to win over the audience entirely, bringing almost childishly uncontained joy in every scene from his own work. When the legendary interview with Orson Welles takes place, one of the most mesmerizing, touching, and beautiful endings in the cinematic heaven begins to unfold. Hats off to Tim, hats off to Johnny, and rest in peace, Ed. (21.10.2005)

Burton in einer künstlerisch recht ungewöhnlichen Position, farblos, vollkommen in Visionen von jemand anderem als sich selbst versunken ... Wirklich von jemand anderem? Man kann die Sympathie und Empathie ja nicht ignorieren, mit welcher sich Tim in die Welt des schlechtesten Filmemachers aller Zeiten begibt, mit welcher er seine Bilder aufnimmt und sie in seinen brillanten und ausgefeilten Stil verwandelt. Es ist, als ob das Wood-Chaos zu einer eigenständigen Filmform avancierte, welche all jenen Dilettantismus der "meisterhaften“ ach so tollen Pseudo-Kreationen entbehrt, jedoch an einer besonderen Begeisterung und tiefem Interesse fehlt es hier nicht. Der Traum, das ist alles, worum es Burton Wood geht, und es ist eben gerade diese Sturheit, die Überreichung der eigenen Vision, ungeachtet dessen, wie bizarr sie ist, das ist Woods größter Beitrag zur Traumfabrik in diesem Film. Depp genießt die Rolle des exzentrischen Irren, er bringt in die angeborenen weiblich anmutenden Manieren den ihm eigenen Exhibitionismus mit ein, und in Woods manisches Verfallen wiederum seine Fähigkeit, den Charakter mit Leibhaftigkeit und Begeisterung regelrecht aufzuladen. Er steht jedoch eindeutig im Schatten Martin Landaus, dessen Lugosi bezaubernd, charismatisch, voller Magie und menschlicher Verletzlichkeit ist. Und es ist gerade die Wood-Lugosi-Beziehung, die letztendlich einen Handlungsstrang flechtet, welcher alle anderen überwältigt. In keinem anderen Burton-Film ein solches Bild von geistiger Harmonie. Obwohl Ed Wood ein wenig aus der Reihe der Filmografie des Meisters hervorsticht, ist dies definitiv eines seiner markantesten Werke. (15.10.2007)

Burton doesn’t make fun of Ed Wood at all. The picture is stuffed full of amazing acting performances. No, I’m not going to praise Depp to the heavens, even though his acting is divine, but there are other equally wonderful performances here. Mainly, Landau simply IS Lugosi. Burton’s Ed Wood is both funny and dramatic and emotionally charged. So what if things are a little too idealized. (20.03.2005)

Probably the most maturely conceived Burton, yet easily recognizable. However, this time he did not let his morbid imagination play, but was inspired by a real story, perhaps a too determined director with a slightly different view of the world. His portrayal by Johnny Depp probably doesn't need any comment. And when the phenomenal Martin Landau or the cute part of Bill Murray is added, there is no defense. Tim's opus magnum. Filmmaking is not about small details. It's about the size of the film. (23.03.2006)

An excellent, stylishly polished gem from the workshop of Tim Burton, and one of the best films of the entire decade. It is a comedy and, paradoxically, a tribute to the art of filmmaking and film enthusiasts of all kinds. The film has a superb cast and performances, an excellent screenplay, and offers up many incredibly funny scenes that will stay in one's memory. Although the film was not there at the beginning of the legend of Ed Wood, it significantly contributed to its spread and the creation of a certain cult around this genius in the director's chair. The success of the film was greatly aided by the chameleon actor, Johnny Depp, in the lead role, who gave his character an irresistible charm. Overall impression: 95%. (14.04.2009)

A truly strange biopic of the worst director of all time. Johnny Depp's excellent performance is overshadowed only by the amazing Martin Landau, who really brings Bela Lugosi to life. (17.03.2008)

Ed Wood is full of optimism, a pleasant retro atmosphere, and it is evident that Tim Burton filmed it with love for filmmaking as such. The black and white composition of the image is beautiful, the make-up and costumes are captivating, and the individual scenes from filming are at least entertaining. (24.07.2005)

Tim Burton's best film after Sleepy Hollow, and that's saying something. It's true that his playful and indie style doesn’t always suit me perfectly, but Ed Wood is a film that would never have been as captivating and magical as it undoubtedly is without Burton's love, strong personality and, most importantly, rich imagination. Edward Wood was actually a lot like Tim Burton, he loved movies and was willing to do absolutely anything for them. The only difference is that he simply didn't know how to make them, didn't have the money, used the most outlandish props and chose the weirdest actors. Burton has made an amazing story about him, with a wonderful period atmosphere, impressive black and white production design and a confident Johnny Depp, whose dreamy smile pretty much speaks for everything Burton wants to say with his masterpiece. My main takeaway is that filmmaking is a terribly addictive drug and that there is no shame in getting up to one's ears in it. Even though Ed knows almost nothing about filmmaking, he can build a mountain with his enthusiasm and kindness – and a big one at that..100% (23.11.2012)

I simply like this movie. It shows the power of a person, it shows the power of a dream, no matter what kind of dream it is. And it also shows how it is possible to inspire other people even for quite silly things. Ed Wood must have had his own charm, which he used to attract and persuade others to make films with him. Tim Burton beautifully portrayed this with the cast of actors. (26.11.2015)

Best movie about the worst filmmaker? In the case of Ed Wood's persona, "worst filmmaker of all time" need not necessarily be a pejorative label, because what Ed "created" is to some extent a separate genre of film. Otherwise, this is undoubtedly one of the best biopics I've seen, and certainly one of the highlights of the collaboration between the previously formidable Burton-Depp duo. [90%] (29.11.2020)