Best of Pop Eighties – Review of Tim Burton Exhibition

(Originally posted 23/10/2010)

Tim Burton is a genius. He has been involved with some of the most weird and wonderful films of the last 30 years, and he is still going strong! I am fortunate enough to be living in a city that is hosting a wonderful exhibition showcasing Tim Burton’s life’s work and that is the basis for this week’s review!

Tim was involved with some of the most quirky films of the 80s – Batman, Beetle Juice, PeeWee’s Big Adventure and Edward Scissorhands (which was released in 1990, but was surely worked on in the 80s so I’m going to claim it, ok?!).

This exhibit at ACMI in Melbourne, which is on loan from the Museum of Modern Art in New York, charts the creative life of Tim Burton. From his adolescence in Burbank, CA, to his most recent films including Alice in Wonderland and Corpse Bride, there is an overwhelming collection of artwork and mementos.

Beetle Juice

It’s intensely interesting to see the progression of the artist. There is a good selection of art work from when Tim was in school and you can see the beginnings of what would become his very distinct style. Mementos from some of my fave films like Beetle Juice are the icing on the cake.

Standouts of the exhibition are the creepy fluro tunnel with viewing holes for individual artworks, the costume Michelle Pfeiffer wore as catwoman (it’s TINY. I mean, kid sized!), a massive model of Robot Boy (my fave Burton piece) and a big Cheshire Cat. On top of this you’ll see some really mindblowing and unique artwork.

Robot Boy

If you happen to be in Melbourne or if your city gets the exhibition next, you must go and see it. Tim Burton is a very important part of popular culture and you’re sure to get a kick out of it! Check out the ACMI website here.

This vid is good, but ACMI in Melbourne is a super cool venue, it’s underground and it’s all dark and dimly lit and fits the exhibition perfectly!