I was in NYC this past weekend and got a chance to see the Tim Burton exhibit at the MoMA. It felt like I was at a chaotic circus (probably intentional) but I also was quite disturbed. Having seen a documentary about Disney animators that included footage of Burton as a young, awkward, and, quite frankly, creepy-looking animator, I appreciate of how creative and talented any cartoonist/director/illustrator/drawer is.
With Burton, however, everything has some sort of disturbed, cynical or morbid edge--it's very distinct and apparent in any of his work, but walking into that exhibit, I was almost overwhelmed by it. It almost felt like I was going into some sick child's room where he goes to torture puppies. Some of the drawings were beautifully grotesque, others were charming, and still others were humorous. But never was there any joy. It's amazing how teenage torment could provide so much fodder for Burton--he is incredibly prolific and aware of human reaction and emotion.
Burton is hauntingly clairvoyant.
Go see the exhibit (but not on the weekend because it was a MADHOUSE even when I went on a Monday morning).
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