Customer Reviews

Tim Burton: Interviews (Conversations with Filmmakers)

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Let's start by saying this. If you are a Tim Burton fan, this is a MUST READ. There are several things that are very appealing to me about this book. In a nut shell, it's simplicity. First, it is a collection of interviews (unedited) and in the chronological order in which they were published. This means for all of us fans who couldn't afford the time or money to collect now out of date magazines, they are summed up here nicely. At times, the nature of this book causes Burton, by no fault of his own, to repeat the same answers to the same questions on more than one occasion. However, this is minimal when compared with the insight to some of the obviously spontaneous answers by Burton. Some answers leave you more confused then the when the question began, but it is an amazing look into the inner-sanctum of this truly gifted man. Another interesting point, is that as the reader, you already know what the outcome each of Burton's films has, so by reading these as current interviews, one can juxtapose this against the actual success or relatively small reception of any given film. Burton expresses feelings on his fears, apprehensions, childhood, therapy, love life, death of Anton Furst, studio system, communication, success etc. He always comes across as extremely intelligent, albeit not well spoken in the traditional sense, and as a constant mystery. This seems to be the way he prefers to be perceived, and to perceive others as well. A particular interview with David Breskin entitled simply "Tim Burton" is well worth the purchase of this book alone. Breskin and Burton seem to volley back analogies, metaphors and intelligence like Asian ping-pong champions. It would be nice if the editors could revise this to a more current edition and include interviews from "Big Fish" (2003) to present. It may not offer a crystal clear picture of this fascinating individual, but certainly offers a bit more transparency to him. Whether it be as the world's biggest fan, or simply a sociological case study, this book makes for a very interesting read.

I love Tim Burton, and have been an avid fan for many, many years. I bought this book because I was really interested in his perspective on different films, basically to see inside that crazy, genius, unhinged, different and brilliant mind.

I enjoyed reading some of the interviews; however, maybe I overestimated what I was buying. It's basically a collection of different interviews ending with "Sleepy Hollow", with one lone interview from "Big Fish" tacked on the end. Although interesting, it's extremely outdated and probably not so relevant if you also like his newer films.

If you are a general Tim Burton fan, I would probably recommend Burton on Burton, 2nd Revised Edition, as this is a good flowing biography of him, with quotes, photos and quirky comments included. It was much more enjoyable for me, as I also love Helena Bonham Carter, and she didn't even feature in "Tim Burton Interviews"! Plus this really ends much earlier; I think the "Big Fish" interview almost doesn't fit in because it's kinda just stuck on the end. No Corpse Bride, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, Sweeney Todd, etc...

However, it was okay and I enjoyed some of his commentary and knowing the genious behind some of his films and how he approached filming them; the interviewers were pretty good and they're from a variety of different sources (including Playboy). It just wasn't exactly what I was looking for.

While the interviews are really interesting and personal, I was surpriced that this director's most personal work, Edward Scissorhands, got a single, (admittedly great) space on this book.

The Tim Burton Interviews is a must have for anyone who loves Tim Burton or filmmaking in general. Kristian Fraga's introduction sets the tone for this fun and informative book on Tim Burtons life, love for movies, and insight into the unique mind of Tim Burton.

Did the Editor of this book write the interviews themselves? Or did others write the interviews?

Why is there no credit for who did the interview work?