Beetlejuice (1988)

 Beetlejuice (1988)

Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice is a morbid, zany classic that proves yet again why the 1980’s was a great decade for these kind of films. It follows the same path of similar films such as The Goonies and Gremlins as family-friendly comedies with a splash of horror that provides big laughs, memorable moments, and horrific scares. I do not care that Burton goes over the top with his set design, makeup, and story. I care that me made a quotable classic for all generations to enjoy. Another reason why this film is so successful? Michael Keaton! Barely recognizable under the many pounds of makeup, he inhabited the role of the cantankerous poltergeist and created a career-defining performance that still may be his best role. And the dude played Batman.

Burton first saw success with 1985’s Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure and in a way, both films are similar in the way Burton messes around with images. Now a “bankable” director, he was given many screenplays to choose from. Burton wanted to work on his Batman script, but Warner Bros hesitated to give the green light, so he had to make another film first. He became interested in Michael McDowell’s screenplay, but McDowell left during the rewriting process due to creative differences. McDowell’s script was originally much darker than the final product. The key death sequence was graphic, and Keaton’s character’s intentions were more malicious and murderous. Even though Burton’s mind is often quite dark, he considerably lightened the tone which made the film work the way it did. I really enjoyed the POV from the ghosts. It is not often that the ghosts take the spotlight, so the film was given a unique feel.

Out of his $15 million dollar budget, Burton only spent around a million on special effects. His unique take on the effects gave the film a distinct taste. I loved Burton’s use of stop motion. When shown around in the wastelands of afterlife, the “Dune” like sand worms really stood out. His keen eye of his sets really went a long way in determining the final look and gave the film a B-movie feel in which Burton wanted. From the house’s design to how the afterlife looked, everything is so detailed. The makeup made Keaton look so unrecognizable (and won the film an Oscar). I need to mention Danny Elfman’s soundtrack. The way the two Harry Belafonte songs were incorporated into the film is just priceless. The Banana Boat song at the dinner table in the best sequence because I was crying my eyes out in laughter.

Adam (Alec Baldwin) and Barbara (Geena Davis) are a young, adorable couple who live in an old, but massive New England house. One day, as they were driving home, they are involved in a nasty accident. The two walk home and believe everything will be alright. There also happens to be one particular problem…they happen to be dead! Their house is purchased by a New York family, a family with an interesting dynamic. Delia (Catherine O’Hara) in an artist who makes grotesque works of art, Charles (Jeffrey Jones) works in real estate and has grand designs for the house, and Lydia (Winona Ryder) is the goth daughter. Adam and Barbara want the family gone, but they do admittedly find relief in Lydia. They try to scare away the family, but they fail. They decide to use people-exorciser Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton) to help. But with increasingly dangerous tactics, Adam and Barbara realize they need to save themselves and the family.

This is Michael Keaton’s movie. If people did not know who he was before, they do now. Keaton brought lots of craziness to this role akin to The Night Shift. This character required a blend of darkness and comedy…and makeup and nailed it. He has the best lines. Just listen to his response when asked about his qualifications. He is surrounded by a great supporting cast. Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis are really sweet. Winona Ryder, as a really young actress, proves her acting chops here. Her character is “weird and strange” which enables her to see ghosts and despite her outer appearance, she has a big heart and had great chemistry with the ghosts. Also, I cannot forget to mention Sylvie Sydney. She plays the afterlife counselor Juno and has some fantastic scenes.

Overall, Beetlejuice is one of the best ghost comedies you’ll get to see. I like these kind of macabre stories especially when there is some comedy and relatable characters. Tim Burton makes a living creating dark, weird stories and this film was the beginning of it all. This movie also allowed the world to see who Michael Keaton is and thus allowed him to be Batman. I do want a sequel, but I do not think they could make a sequel good enough. For a time, they were going to Betelgeuse in Hawaii. Yeah, definitely would not have been as good. I do not care what anyone says, but this is an 80’s classic. That “Banana Boat” scene would have made it a classic alone.

My Grade: A