Tim Burton discusses Johnny Depp: "I like actors that like to become characters"

Calendar September 8, 2007 | Posted by Part-Time Poet

During his press conference in Venice on Wednesday, director Tim Burton was asked to explain why there is “a special connection” between him and actor Johnny Depp, who has played the leading role in six Tim Burton films: EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, ED WOOD, SLEEPY HOLLOW, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, THE CORPSE BRIDE, and Burton’s latest feature, the musical SWEENEY TODD. “It’s enjoyable working with him,” Burton replied. “I like actors that like to become characters. Some actors make a career out of being themselves in a movie,” the director explained, “and I’ve always enjoyed those real character actors that just like to become different creatures–and he’s that way.”

Burton went on to offer some examples from their films. “In SCISSORHANDS, he didn’t speak; in ED WOOD, he didn’t shut up . . . he’s always trying something different on every movie. And in this movie,” Burton finished triumphantly, referring to SWEENEY TODD, “he sings! It’s always kind of new territory with him, and that makes it a lot of fun, and a very creative process to see somebody willing to try all those kinds of things.” Thanks to bonnie and AnaMaria for the photo of Tim and Johnny on the red carpet in Venice; to see a larger version, click here: http://tinyurl.com/3bth5d –Part-Time Poet

Category Categories: Uncategorized