Watch Ed Wood
- R
- 1994
- 2 hr 7 min
-
7.8 (185,948)
Ed Wood is a biographical comedy-drama focusing on the life and career of filmmaker Ed Wood, who is widely regarded as one of the worst directors in the history of cinema. The movie was directed by Tim Burton and stars Johnny Depp as Ed Wood, in one of his finest performances ever. The film also features Martin Landau as Bela Lugosi, the iconic Dracula actor who becomes Wood's mentor, and Sarah Jessica Parker as Dolores Fuller, Wood's girlfriend and leading lady.
The movie is set in the 1950s Hollywood, and it perfectly captures the spirit of the era, with its colorful characters, corny dialogue, and tacky special effects. The film is shot in black and white, which adds to its vintage charm and authenticity. The movie depicts Ed Wood as a lovable oddball with a wild imagination, who is fiercely determined to make movies, no matter what obstacles he faces. Wood is shown as a passionate artist who believes in his vision even when nobody else does, and who is willing to do whatever it takes to see his dream come true.
The movie follows Wood as he struggles to produce his movies, which are often low-budget, hastily improvised, and nonsensical. Despite his lack of talent, Wood manages to attract a group of loyal followers, who become his actors and crew members. Among them is his friend Bunny Breckenridge, a cross-dresser, who plays a pivotal role in Wood's career. The movie shows the making of some of Wood's most famous movies, including Glen or Glenda, a semi-autobiographical drama about a transvestite, and Plan 9 from Outer Space, a sci-fi thriller about aliens who resurrect the dead.
The heart of the movie lies in the relationship between Ed Wood and Bela Lugosi, who becomes Wood's unlikely friend and mentor. Lugosi is shown as a washed-up, drug-addicted actor, who is struggling to find work and respect in an industry that has forgotten him. Wood sees in Lugosi the potential to become his star and sets out to revive his career by casting him in his movies. Landau's portrayal of Lugosi is one of the highlights of the movie, as he perfectly captures the tragic figure of the iconic actor.
The movie is also a love story, as it portrays the relationship between Ed Wood and Dolores Fuller, who is a struggling actress and singer. Fuller is shown as the only person who truly understands Wood and his vision, and who supports him even when everyone else ridicules him. Sarah Jessica Parker's performance as Fuller is nuanced and touching, as she brings depth and emotion to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional.
The movie is filled with hilarious moments, as we see Ed Wood and his crew trying to shoot scenes in impossible conditions, using props and effects that would make any self-respecting filmmaker cringe. The movie makes fun of Wood's ineptitude, but it never mocks him, as it always portrays him as a passionate artist with a heart of gold. The movie is also a tribute to the power of friendship and loyalty, as it shows how Wood's friends and followers stick with him through thick and thin, even when they know that his movies are terrible.
In conclusion, Ed Wood is a delightful movie that celebrates the life and career of a true original. The movie is funny, poignant, and heartwarming, as it portrays the journey of a man who dared to dream big, even when the odds were against him. The movie is also a testament to the power of cinema, as it shows how a group of misfits and outcasts can come together and create something magical. The performances by Depp, Landau, and Parker are outstanding, and the direction by Tim Burton is inspired. If you are a fan of movies and creativity, this is a movie that you should not miss.
Ed Wood is a 1994 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 7 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 70.