Ed Wood, 1994. My Journey into Science Fiction Part 19.

Hello, and welcome back to My Journey into Science Fiction Part 19. Ed Wood is an American biographical comedy-drama film, directed and produced by Tim Burton. The film stars Johnny Depp as the cult filmmaker, Ed Wood. The film nearly started life as a documentary by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski. However, they struck a deal with Burton and Denise Di Novi to turn their idea into a movie.  In true Ed Wood fashion, the movie was deemed financially unsuccessful but was met with critical acclaim. Finally, the film has become a cult classic and is described as one of Tim Burton’s best movies. 

I have to be honest and admit that I tried to watch Ed Wood in the nineties and couldn’t get through it. However, I did enjoy it a lot more this time around. However, Plan 9 from Outer Space proved more difficult. The story is about the making of Edward Davis Wood Jr.‘s most successful film, Plan 9 from Outer Space, and his sheer determination to make it happen. Ed is portrayed by Johnny Depp in this film, and I have to say it was completely refreshing to go back and look at a great actor who was ready to push the boundaries of his talent. The real Ed Wood is famous for his cross-dressing fetish, and once admitted to wearing a pink bra and knickers under his uniform whilst serving in the War. Johnny Depp seemed to embrace this role and somehow still seems to look very much like the perfect film star in a women’s cardigan, amongst a wardrobe of some very peculiar outfits.

Ed Wood’s Plan 9 from Outer Space was voted the worst film by The Golden Turkey Awards in 1980. Since then, Ed Wood has become a cult sensation, while the interest in his films keeps growing. Ed Wood’s most memorable friendship is with Bela Lugosi Martin Landau. Bela Lugosi, an actor who was famous for playing Count Dracula, and playing second fiddle to Boris Karloff throughout his career. Bela Lugosi ended up with a drug problem that included morphine and methadone, and a film career that was over till Ed Wood asked him to star in some of his low-budget films. I love old Hollywood, and this movie gave me an honest enough account of how wild and unrestricted life was during that era. Alternatively, there is also a dreamlike quality to the movie, and it often feels like a fairy tale. I think Tim Burton is making more than a biopic. It’s a love letter to the past. It was wonderful how Ed Wood and Bela Lugosi met and shared this time in their lives together. I think the chemistry between Johnny Depp and Martin Landau is also pretty special, and one scene in particular comes to mind. Ed Wood and Bela Lugosi are sitting on the couch discussing some of the hand movements Bela used in Dracula, and it was mesmerising to watch.

It’s the hero’s journey, a bit like Star Wars but with vampires and transvestites. We have Ed Wood on a mission to make the greatest film ever, and his sidekick Bela Lugosi with his troubled past, trying to find redemption in life. Along the way, we have the antagonists who try to destroy Ed Wood’s vision, but with the help of his friends, he finally makes his movie. It’s the American dream, and it’s very enlightening. However, Ed Wood’s truth was a lot darker and seemed more sinister. Alternatively, I don’t feel I have the right to make those statements without doing my homework first. I want to learn more about Ed Wood, but I don’t have any interest in doing that at this moment. If you know of any decent books that look at his life more in-depth, I would appreciate it. I guess it just reminds you that art and creativity is a wonderful way to express your feelings. Okay, some people are far more talented, and get more recognition for their art but it doesn’t mean you don’t have the same fun making it. The only difference is that they get a swimming pool and I get a bath, and maybe a bar of soap every once in a while.  I find something charming about Ed Wood, and I can’t work out. Maybe, it’s just not the right time for me, and one day I will go back and it will all make sense. I do think that era of filmmaking fascinates me, however romanticised it might be. I do feel like I have learnt a lot from this film, and it has left me feeling more curious, which is always a good sign. 

So, where am I going next in My Journey into Science Fiction Part 20? I struggled to find a connection to my next film, but Sarah Jessica Parker saved the day. She starred in Ed Wood, which I failed to mention, amongst everything and everyone else of importance in the film. Sarah was also in one of my favourite childhood films, and I’m excited about this one. Flight of the Navigator, Directed by Randal Kleiser in 1984, and I hope you can join me. However, there will be no pink knickers, or transvestites in this one, I think?

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