Edward Scissorhands – Review

Fig 1, Edward Scissorhands, 1990

This review will focus on the Tim Burton film Edward Scissorhands, and how Burton used
this film to challenge modernist views on society and family with a post modernistic view. I’ll
first start with defining what modernism and postmodernism are then continue onto seeing
how Burton challenges modernist views. I will be referencing Dyske’s 2002 paper on a
Postmodern Family, and Sarah Jay’s article How is the 1950s re-imagined through the lens of
Tim Burton’s films?, when exploring the modern and postmodern society and family unit.
Edward Scissorhands is about a humanoid called Edward who was built by a scientist and
given scissors for hands. The scientist dies before fully constructing Edward, thus leaving
him with a freaky appearance. A saleswoman, Peg, stumbles upon Edward when trying to
sell products at his mansion. She takes him under her care and tries integrating him into
society, but this doesn’t end well.
To understand what postmodernism is, you must look at modernism. Modernism is a term
used to define how new styles and art trends changed from traditional styles to new forms
of expression. “If the modern era had a central image-it was that of a kind of non-image – a
void.” (Powell, 1998). This lack of image could be because society was trying to reinvent
itself. Industrialisation, advancements in social and natural sciences and an overall change in
society caused a void between the new society and that of old. However, the reaction to
this came in the late 20th century via postmodernism. Postmodernism was the counter to
modernism. Where modernism “sought to restore a
centre, a new sense of purpose, a new sense of
design, form and depth a new sense of primordial
origin in myth, Postmodernists often see no reason for
a centre. Instead they favour a decentring – a play of
chance, anti-form and surface.” (Powell, 1998). This
counter to modernistic views is evident in Edward
Scissorhands. Burton uses this film to explore how the
idea of a nuclear society and the value of people in a
modern society can be different in a postmodern
world.
A nuclear family is a family consisting of a father,
mother and their biological children. This concept Fig 2, Ihab Hassan list of terms, 2013
th
was originally brought into society in the 17 century
via the Church, and eventually became a key part of
American society. “The Suburban family was idealised through television programmes such
as The Donna Reed Show, Leave it to Beaver, and Father Knows Best, In which wholesome
nuclear families presided over by a firm yet jocular paternal figure, were shown in various
domestic-cantered narratives.” (S. Jay 2008). But postmodernists have a different view.
They believe that we no longer live in a modern world of structure and ordered family units.
They believe that families are a lot more chaotic and varied due to people having more
freedom. And this is what Burton wanted to explore. Although the Boggs are nuclear, they
accept Edward into their family even though they try to normalise him. However, due to his
uniqueness, Edward can’t totally get along with the family and runs away. This is Burtons
way of criticizing a modern nuclear family ad they don’t accept Edward for who he is but try
to mould him to fit in with their ideals. And this modernist view is what Burton opposes.
As well as this, Edward can exist for decades without the need of a family. “A family is
essentially a unit of support system. There were days when human beings could not survive
without it. Those days are over. Today, most of us can survive perfectly fine on our own
without receiving any support from our families. This renders a family as a support system
less meaningful.” (Dyske, 2002). By showing
Edwards ability to live without a family, Burton
counters a modernist view on family. He shows
the post modernistic view that a family unit as a
support system is redundant. It also shows that
roles and rules are flexible as Edward can exist
with and without a family.
But it isnt just family that Burton challenges. A
family unit is a part of a larger society and this is
what Burton also challenges with his
postmodern views. The Boggs family try to Fig 3, Edward and the Boggs Family, 1990
normalise Edward so he can fit into society so
change his appearance and introduce him as a piece of technology with the purpose of
helping others. It works for a while but eventually they turn on Edward. This shows that
being unique and an individual, yet also being the same as everyone else in a modernist
society doesn’t work, and this is what Burton challenges.
Overall, Edward Scissorhands is a film that challenges modernist views with postmodern
ones. Burton uses Edward as an instrument to do this. He shows what’s wrong with a
nuclear family and a society where everyone is the same and no one is unique, thus
implementing postmodernist ideas.
 Illustration reference and Bibliography
Illustrations

• Figure 1, Edward Scissorhands, (1990) [Poster]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Scissorhands
Accessed 28/10/2018
• Figure 2, Ihab Hassan list of terms, (2013) [Chart]
https://thegreatwildherring.wordpress.com/tag/modernism/
Accessed 28/10/2018
• Figure 3, Edward and the Boggs family, (1990) [Still]
http://www.hollywood.com/movies/facts-you-didnt-know-about-edward-
scissorhands-60500836/
Accessed 28/10/2018
Bibliography

• Dyske. (2002).Postmodern Family. At: https://dyske.com/paper/723

Accessed 28/10/2018.
• Powell, J (1998) Postmodernism for Beginners. New York ; London : Writers and
Readers
• Sarah Jay. (May 20, 2008). How is the 1950s re-imagined through the lens of Tim
Burton’s films? At: https://sarahjay.wordpress.com
Accessed 28/10/2018.