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In 1985, Burton would direct "Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp" for the Showtime hit series "Farie Tale Theatre". This off-beat series was a perfect place to showcase a Burton short film. Starring Valerie Bertinelli, Leonard Nimoy, James Earl Jones, and Robert Carradine, it is a funny and completely Burtonesque version of the tale of Aladdin's lamp. He would also work with the series, "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" that same year.
His next film, Beetlejuice is an excellent example of Burton's love of shape, color, and texture. Examples of his passion for these are evident all through the film. From the snake handrail, to the square tiles on the floor, to the angular furniture and artwork, to the color of the walls--all are uniquely Burton. He manages to make a film inwhich the afterlife seems more normal than the lives of the living. An excellent film that was a box office hit as well. Burton was now running two for two.
Next week, we will look at Burton's other big hits including the Batman movies and Ed Wood and Edward Scissorhands. More tortured, misunderstood charaters.
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