Ed Wood

Ed Wood is not perfect, as it slightly runs out of steam in the final quarter. Even so, the feelings that every memory of it evokes in me, spurred mainly by listening to the endearing soundtrack, represent the ignition of the greatest spark of movie-fan enthusiasm. What Schindler’s List is for Spielberg, Ed Wood is for Tim Burton. And for me – a fan of even very bad films – it is a beautiful tribute to the art of filmmaking. Burton serves up a roller-coaster ride with every character, every facial expression of Johnny Depp, every charming and comical scene. It’s a treasure! (04/06/2005)

Probably the most maturely conceived Burton, yet easily recognizable. However, this time he did not let his morbid imagination play, but was inspired by a real story, perhaps a too determined director with a slightly different view of the world. His portrayal by Johnny Depp probably doesn't need any comment. And when the phenomenal Martin Landau or the cute part of Bill Murray is added, there is no defense. Tim's opus magnum. Filmmaking is not about small details. It's about the size of the film. (23/03/2006)

Ed Wood is full of optimism, a pleasant retro atmosphere, and it is evident that Tim Burton filmed it with love for filmmaking as such. The black and white composition of the image is beautiful, the make-up and costumes are captivating, and the individual scenes from filming are at least entertaining. (24/07/2005)

A very pleasant film that almost makes you want to fulfil your unrealistic dreams, or watch one of Ed’s movies. I don’t like Tim Burton very much, but here he did a good job with the talented Johnny Depp portraying an untalented director in a film that irradiates such enthusiasm (about cinema and people) that it’s almost hard to believe. A beautifully positive movie (about basically quite sad things…) that will certainly not ruin your mood. 9/10 (06/07/2009)

The story of "the worst director of all time" and his best creative years, the period that gave rise to Wood's most famous films Glen Or Glenda, Bride of the Monster and Plan 9 From Outer Space, the making of which Tim Burton charmingly brings to life in this biopic. The result is all the more enjoyable if the viewer is familiar with any of these three films, and it works in retrospect – I was tempted to replay some of the scenes after Burton's film was over. The most striking aspect is its impeccable period styling, the film oozes with the atmosphere of 1950s Hollywood. As for the actors, the biggest trump card was the biggest weakness in my eyes. No one can convince me that Depp wasn’t grossly overacting in some moments, even the role of a man full of enthusiasm, which Ed Wood probably was (if the screenwriter is to be believed), can be played more sparingly. But Martin Landau as Bela Lugosi was a treat, you can't spoil such a well-written role, here the Oscar was well deserved. Ed Wood could only dream about an Oscar, which doesn't change the fact that thanks to this film he became my favourite and I can't have enough of his duds, which are lousy but made with love. (27/09/2004)