A Very NFSA Christmas: Edward Scissorhands PG

Peg Boggs (Dianne Weist) is going door to door selling cosmetics when she knocks at a run-down and creepy mansion on the edge of town. There she discovers a strange young man with scissors for hands named Edward (Johnny Depp), living alone and largely unaware of the world outside. Taking him home with her, Peg introduces Edward to her family, in particular her daughter Kim (Winona Ryder).

As the neighbourhood initially embraces Edward with a sense of curiosity, he begins to ingratiate himself into the community by turning hedges into topiary art, providing unique haircuts and grooming dogs. But Kim’s boyfriend Jim (Anthony Michael Hall) is increasingly jealous and, with lies spreading about Edward, the community starts to treat the newcomer like a dangerous outsider because of his differences.

A melding of Christmas film, fairytale and gothic romance, Edward Scissorhands marked the beginning of a long collaboration between director Tim Burton and star Johnny Depp. It also cemented Burton as the master of stories about strange outsiders navigating a world that barely understands them. 

‘Burton's modern fairytale has an almost palpably personal feel: it is told gently, subtly and with infinite sympathy for an outsider who charms the locals but then inadvertently arouses their baser instincts’ – Daily Telegraph  

This title is held in the NFSA collection. 

This screening is part of our A Very NFSA Christmas season.

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