WARNING! SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD!
Always the bridesmaid. Never the bride.
Corpse Bride, written and directed by the brilliant Tim Burton in 2005, is one of the most beloved stop-motion films ever made. The story follows a groom named Victor Van Dort (Johnny Depp), his fiance Victoria Everglot (Emily Watson), and the corpse of a bride named Emily (Helena Bonham Carter), as they explore the challenges of love between the realms of the living and the dead.
The film begins with Victor having trouble rehearsing his vows before his marriage to his soon-to-be wife, Victoria. Frustrated, he wanders into a nearby forest to practice. While reciting his wedding vows, he places the ring on a branch resembling a finger, and this unintentional act unravels a series of issues between him and the world of the dead.
Over the years, Corpse Bride has been a prominent film in stop-motion animation. Tim Burton’s success in directing yet another aesthetically pleasing movie, combined with its creative plot, has drawn the attention of many audiences, making it a favorite that resurfaces every year during those chilly, autumn days.
Burton is famous for his gloomy, gothic-styled creations. He prefers focusing on dark themes, such as death, individualism, and creativity, which are all heavily incorporated into Corpse Bride. The symbolism of death as freedom, closure, and acceptance of the afterlife, is one of the many ideas explored in this film
What may seem like a simple love story on the surface contains more depth and darkness. The complexity of the main characters adds more intensity and relatability to the movie. The female lead, Emily, symbolizes the yearning for love, betrayal, and unfulfilled dreams.
Throughout the film, we come to understand Emily’s emotional attachment to Victorn as a means to reminisce about her life before her death. Her tragic past adds emotional depth that enhances the story.
On the other hand, Victor Van Dort is seen searching for his true identity, uncertain of love and his marriage. His lack of commitment and confidence is shown through his hesitation to marry Victoria. Navigating unfamiliar emotions and empathy for the pitiful corpse bride, Victor’s internal struggles contribute to his confusion.
Another amazing aspect of Corpse Bride is Tim Burton’s classic combination of joyful music and sad themes. The use of music as a storytelling device is obvious, especially when setting a mood. In a scene where Victor visits the realm of the dead with Emily, a skeleton named Bonejangles gives a lively performance accompanied by an upbeat melody.
However, the subject of this performance is Emily’s betrayal-filled past. The heavy contrast between life and death highlights the complexities of uncertain love, created by Victor’s confusion about his upcoming wedding and Emily’s desire to break free from her haunting memories.
Corpse Bride is a beautiful mix of stunning animation and dark themes that give the audience a heartfelt story. This exploration of important elements, such as death, loss, and love, captivates viewers in a way that other films can’t.
This film is a must-see—a timeless movie that will forever remain a fan favorite. Other similar movies include Coraline, Frakenweenie, and A Nightmare Before Christmas, so you should definitely check them out as well.
