Burton on Burton

Burton on Burton provides a comprehensive look at filmmaker Tim Burton's creative process and career through extensive interviews conducted by film journalist Mark Salisbury. The conversations span from Burton's early life and influences through his major film works up to the mid-1990s. The book follows a chronological format, with each chapter focusing on a specific film project while incorporating Burton's personal reflections and behind-the-scenes insights. Technical aspects of filmmaking, artistic choices, and working relationships with actors and crew members are discussed in detail through Burton's own words. Photographs and production artwork appear throughout the text, illustrating Burton's visual development process and the translation from concept to screen. The director speaks candidly about both his successes and challenges in bringing his distinctive vision to Hollywood. The interviews reveal recurring themes in Burton's work - the tension between outsiders and society, the blending of darkness and whimsy, and the influence of childhood experiences on artistic expression. Through Burton's own voice, readers gain understanding of how personal vision can survive and thrive within the commercial film industry.

Readers value the behind-the-scenes insights into Tim Burton's creative process and inspiration sources. Many appreciate the interview format that lets Burton's personality come through in his own words. Fans highlight the book's coverage of his early career at Disney and the evolution of his signature style. Common criticism focuses on the book's surface-level treatment of certain films and projects. Some readers note that Burton deflects deeper questions and maintains privacy around personal matters. A few reviewers wanted more detail about specific movies like Batman and Edward Scissorhands. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (4,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (180+ ratings) LibraryThing: 4.0/5 (90+ ratings) "The conversational tone makes you feel like you're just hanging out with Tim" - Goodreads reviewer "Could have dug deeper into his creative struggles" - Amazon reviewer "Perfect for understanding Burton's influences and approach to filmmaking" - LibraryThing reviewer

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🎬 Mark Salisbury conducted more than 20 lengthy interviews with Tim Burton over several years to create this intimate portrait of the director's creative process. 🎨 The book features numerous rare photographs and sketches from Burton's personal collection, including early concept art from unrealized projects. 📚 First published in 1995, the book has been updated multiple times, with the latest edition including coverage of films through "Alice in Wonderland" (2010). 🗣️ Burton reveals in the book that his childhood idol was Vincent Price, and their later friendship (culminating in Price's final screen role in "Edward Scissorhands") was a career highlight. 🎥 The text explores Burton's unique relationship with Disney - from being fired as an animator in his early career to later returning as one of their most successful directors, albeit with his distinctively dark vision intact.