I had the pleasure of seeing Tim Burton’s new exhibit at MoMA in New York last week. The display encompasses more than 700 pieces, including sketches, home movies, sculptures, paintings, illustrations, costumes, and props, and moves chronologically from his time as an imaginative young boy in Burbank, CA, to the present as a major studio film director. As you purvey the vastness of the man’s exploits, it’s hard to imagine where he finds the time to create it all. His personal creative well is certainly bottomless. Some of the highlights for me include his boyhood contest-winning, cartoon-like public safety fliers for the city of Burbank, a handwritten character outline for Edward Scissorhands, and his early twisted, macabre drawing that, at times, hued closely to the work of Ralph Steadman. It was quite intriguing to see how many of the characters from those early drawings directly influenced or found their way into the larger-than-life characters Burton has created for the big screen.
The exhibit is highly recommended for both film (there is quite a sample of movie props and costumes) and art lovers alike. Just be prepared: this was unquestionably the most crowded display I’ve ever experienced at any museum. That said, it was definitely worth it to get a voyeur’s glimpse inside one of our time’s greatest creative minds. The exhibition runs through April 26, 201o.
johnGEE says: 
scott 
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