Alice in Wonderland (2010)

An important question: How long after doing something truly great, is someone tolerated to be mediocre, or even inept?

Tim Burton is one of Hollywood’s cult figures. The mention of his name in relation to any project produces the “hmm” effect amongst industry professionals and common filmgoers. To his credit, his name has been attached to a number of memorable projects. Of his noteworthy directorial endeavors, Ed Wood (1994), Batman (1989), and Beetlejuice (1988) are perhaps his most famous. And, if nothing else, these films stand as iconic “Burtonian” works, characterized by Burton’s distinct creative style. The most notable of Burton’s projects, however, is one that he didn’t even direct. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) is arguably the most famous of Tim Burton’s cinematic contributions, and certainly the one that has created (and maintained) the greatest cult following. From my perspective, Nightmare is Tim Burton’s masterwork.

This returns me to the question I posed at onset. How long (and for how many films) should Tim Burton be allowed to ride the coattails of Nightmare? Is there a statute of limitations concerning how long filmgoers must worship this man? Based on Burton’s four feature-length films preceding Alice in Wonderland (Sweeney Todd, Corpse Bride, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Big Fish), not a single one has come close to rivaling the striking brilliance of Nightmare. Whether it is unfair to hold Burton to such a standard, the fact remains that he, from my viewpoint, has had a recent history marked by underachievement.

Alice in Wonderland is no exception. The film reeks of Burton’s ego and self-indulgence. One of my primary concerns (as well as complaints) with this film is similar to the issues I take with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005). Tim Burton’s eagerness to “reinvent” or “re-imagine” popular tales is becoming tiresome. The necessity or compulsion to reinvent these stories plays testament to Burton’s fascination with his own “brilliance.” Further, it appears that Burton justifies his lack of invention by providing audiences with films that follow traditional narratives. The issue I take with Burton bringing the original stories to the masses is the implication that the films prior (which deviated from the original story) are somehow unsatisfactory because of their alternative storylines. The fact that Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) deviates from Roald Dahl’s original story in no way bestows Burton the task of redeeming it. The fact that Burton’s Charlie and Alice stayed true to literary works in no way excuses them from being over-stylized garbage.

Alice is riddled with Burton’s egomaniacal flare, and suffers for it. Although Burton creates an aesthetically appealing “world” for the film to take place, the narrative is simply uninteresting. The feud between the two queens is hardly a memorable conflict, and the characters presented therein are just not appealing in the slightest. Of all the fruitless action taken by all of the characters in the film, not a thing struck me as memorable. Not even the film’s aesthetic appeal could make up for its complete and utter lack of distinction.

As far as the cast is concerned, you can expect to see Burton’s typical band of Hollywood misfits immersed in unexceptional performances. This is not to say that these individuals are not good or great actors, but simply that they did what they could (and inevitably stumbled) with what they were given. Even the wondrous Johnny Depp was crippled by the Burtonian characterization of the Mad Hatter. I have the utmost respect for an actor such as Johnny Depp, but he is becoming quite hindered by the charity roles being given to him by pretentious friend. I would also like to give mention to Mia Wasikowska (Alice). Her performance was dreary and uninspired, but I am not giving up on her just yet. What she lacked in zealousness she made up for in charm and quirk. I look forward to seeing her in future, non-Burton roles.

I am still not sure whether this film is really as bad as I made it out to be in this critique. It could just be that it was the most recent catalyst for my issues with Tim Burton. Regardless, it is most surely a film to pass on… unless of course your shopping spree at Hot Topic left you with a desire to actually see the film that “inspired” your newest T-shirt and handbag.

Rating: 4/10

© 2010 Brent Bracamontes