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Johnny Depp, Martin Landau, Sarah Jessica Parker, Patricia Arquette, Bill Murray ... see more see more... , Jeffrey Jones , Vincent D'Onofrio , Lisa Marie , G.D. Spradlin , Max Casella , Brent Hinkley , Juliet Landau , George Steele , Norman Alden , Don Amendolia , Vinny Argiro , Ray Baker , Matthew Barry , Gretchen Becker , Ned Bellamy , Mickey Cottrell , Reid Cruickshanks , Danny Dayton , Stanley de Santis , Carmen Filpi , Ryan Holihan , Charlie Holliday , Don Hood , Rance Howard , Maurice LaMarche , Gene Lebell , Ric Mancini , Ralph Monaco , Korla Pandit , Mary Portser , Clive Rosengren , Anthony Russell , Edmund L. Shaff , Vasek Simek , Mike Starr , Leonard Termo , Patti Tippo , Gregory Walcott , Melora Walters , Biff Yeager , Jim Myers , King Cotton , Victoria Thomas , Alan Martin , Conrad Brooks , Lisa Malkiewicz , Charles C. Stevenson Jr. , Louis Lombardi , Jonathan Ross , Bobby Slayton , John Rice

Hollywood visionary Tim Burton pays homage to another Hollywood visionary, albeit a less successful one, in this unusual fictionalized biography. The film follows Wood (Johnny Depp) in his quest for f... read more read more...ilm greatness as he writes and directs turkey after turkey, cross-dresses, and surrounds himself with a motley crew of Hollywood misfits, outcasts, has-beens, and never-weres. The real story, however, is his friendship with aging, morphine-addicted Bela Lugosi (Martin Landau), whom he tries to help stage a comeback. Landau's unforgettable Oscar-winning performance must be seen to be believed, as must Rick Baker's Oscar-winning makeup. While it would have been easy to make a film simply ridiculing the bumbling director, Burton instead focuses on his driving passion for filmmaking and his unwavering persistence in the face of ridicule and failure. Possibly the most surprising aspect of the film is the genuine sentiment with which Burton treats the relationship between Wood and Lugosi; his devotion to Lugosi is touching, as is Lugosi's final soliloquy -- an inane bit of dialogue from the hilariously bad Bride of the Monster that grows into a poignant metaphor for the actor's life and ultimate triumph of his spirit. Even the look of the film is right; it manages to preserve the air of one of Wood's own films while retaining a sense of artistry in much of the composition on screen (note the scene at the drug rehab where Lugosi endures a horrifying night of detox). In all, Ed Wood is a unique film -- at times side-splittingly funny; at others, tragic or even frightening -- and a heartfelt tribute to the love of movies, good and bad alike. ~ Jeremy Beday, Rovi

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83% liked it

99,686 ratings

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91% liked it

58 critics

R, 2 hr. 4 min.

Directed by: Tim Burton

Release Date: September 28, 1994

Keywords: white, funny, weird, horror, old, monster

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DVD Release Date: August 13, 2002

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Stats: 6,580 reviews

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Johnny Depp & Martin Landau in "Ed Wood" Martin Landau in Ed Wood "Edward D. Wood, Jnr....!" Johnny Depp Martin Landau with Oscar for Ed Wood Ed Wood Johnny Depp Johnny Depp in Ed Wood Johnny Depp in Ed Wood Ed Wood Edward D. Wood Jr. Ed Wood Ed Wood Ed Wood Ed Wood Tim Burton Johnny Depp in Ed Wood Ed Wood
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Flixster Reviews (6,580)

  • FilmFanatik
    March 31, 2012
    FilmFanatik
    Most people would say that Ed Wood is Tim Burton's finest film and I would have to agree. This is the filmmaker that I fell in love with running on all cylinders. Martin Landua's performance of Bela Lugosi is a thing of magic (of course, with the help of Rick Baker's fantastic ma... read moreke-up effects). Besides the fantastic main cast, there's also a variety of low key character actors and various cameos. The story may not be one hundred percent accurate to the true life events, but I don't think it could have been done any other way and been half as entertaining as it is. It's just a shame that Tim Burton can't seem to make something as creative and ingenious as this anymore. Nevertheless, I still hold it in high esteem.
  • bottcorecords1
    March 29, 2012
    bottcorecords1
    Arguably Tim Burton's best film, it's also his least distinctively "Burton-esqe" (although it is about quite an unusual character who doesn't fit into normal society). The title character, Edward D. Wood Jr. was a transvestite filmmaker in the 1950s whose films (like "Plan 9 Fro... read morem Outer Space") are characterized as some of the worst ever made. Burton's "Ed Wood" (as played by Johnny Depp) is eternally optimistic and upbeat, although there's an impression that not all is okay under the shiny surface. His girlfriend, Dolores (Sarah Jessica Parker), is at first supportive of all his various proclivities, until Wood's semi-autobiographical film script "Glen or Glenda" (a film he wrote, starred in and directed) sends her life into darker areas she'd rather not venture into. Wood finds a true friend when he by chance meets legendary film star Bela Lugosi (Martin Landau in an oscar-winning performance). Lugosi is a sad figure, a washed up junkie whose career is over and whose wife has left him. It's Wood's optimism and wide-eyed wonder at the movie industry that give Lugosi a newfound inspiration to perform again. Wood's cast of loony characters includes psychic "Criswell" (Jeffrey Jones), pseudo hermaphrodite Bunny Breckinridge (the hilarious Bill Murray), wrestler Tor Johnson (George "The Animal" Steele), and tv vampire host Vampira (Lisa Marie).

    What I guess is so endearing about Eddie is his complete lack of self-awareness. He invisions himself as another Orson Welles, a multi-talented artist who can write and direct masterworks of great vision and artistry. His oeuvre suffers from a complete lack of critical thinking and the notion that every first take is "perfect". Wood at one point, even boldly declares himself to be only concerned with the big picture, and that no one notices the "little details" (this, after being told some of the tombstones in the graveyard set had toppled over as the carpeting beneath them had shifted). Ed Wood the film treats Ed Wood the man's flaws as endearing traits, and gives his films the kind of respect they never received in his lifetime. This while giving us a wonderfully comedic look into the world of 1950s Hollywood.
  • blkbomb
    November 28, 2011
    blkbomb
    Edward D. Wood, Jr.: Cut! That was perfect! 

    "When it came to making bad movies, Ed Wood was the best."

    My new favorite Tim Burton film. Ed Wood is a superb biography of the Worst Director of All-time. The film is hilarious because of how Burton and Depp approach Ed Wood. They ... read moredon't completely make an ass out of him, but show him in a pretty likable light. He is shown as a hardworking and dedicated filmmaker who would go to any lengths in order to make his vision come alive. Yeah, maybe his vision was fucking horrible, but at least he tried his damnedest to do the thing he loved. All that trying payed off because now he is famous; sure it is as the worst director ever, but famous none the less.

    Throughout the movie Wood was always comparing himself to Orson Welles. He said that the only two people who were writing, directing producing and acting in their movies, were Welles and himself. That's quite an accomplishment, except Welles was doing Citizen Kane and Wood was doing movies like Glenn or Glenda and Plan 9 From Outerspace. Most of his movies are widely revered as some of the worst ever made. I haven't had the pleasure of watching some of his movies and this biography didn't really make me want to run out and watch one.

    The film is shot in black and white and has the signature Burton/Depp quirkiness about it. There are no two people in the world who were more qualified to make this film. When you think of a movie about a horrible director, you think it can't be all that great. This film is picture perfect in how it handles the material and Burton makes it a joyful and funny look at a talentless man.

    It's kind of funny that Burton would first direct this and then direct a movie like Mars Attacks directly afterwards. I liked Mars Attacks, but it's ironic that he would first make a movie about Ed Wood and then one that was inspired by all the sci-fi garbage of Wood's time. Either way, Burton is a genius and this is one of the best, if not the best, movies of his career.
  • fb1664868775
    November 20, 2011
    fb1664868775
    Burton and Depp show why they are a perfect match in this fantastic film.
  • FrizzDrop
    September 19, 2011
    FrizzDrop
    This film walks a very thin tightrope between dramatic biopic with serious character development and a detailed storyline, and pure fantasist glory. Director Tim Burton, who's influence is drenched in this film, has already stated that this was meant to be more of a reimagining o... read moref Wood's life than a point by point timeline of the real people of Wood, Lugosi, and Fuller. It's easy to see why this route was taken, with the perennial advantage of Burton and Depp's pairing, source material that could work in any decade, and the amazing acting of Martin Landau as the incomparable Bela Lugosi, his heavy Hungarian accent just one of the amazing trickeries he produces to lend to the imaginative presence that his character undoubtedly had. Though these are real people, their spirit is what if truly represented. Wood is portrayed as an optimist Hollywood go-getter with a heart of gold and a goofy grin to boot. He doesn't believe in more than one take per scene, and hopes the audience will keep up with suspense of disbelief and his backers won't mind him directing his films wearing a white faux fur sweater and black skirt. Oh yes, this film pulls no punches when it comes to Wood's cross dressing, Lugosi's extensive morphine addiction, and the baffling association with Vampira, Bunny Breckenridge, and Tor Johnston, a cavalcade of excruciatingly awkward characters that both mesmerize and intrigue. There is an element of dream, fantasy, or as the strange Orson Welles persona puts it, "a vision" that makes this film otherworldly and yet believable. Certainly one of Burton's better efforts, if not the more substantial in his zany repertoire.
  • LorenzoVonMatterhorn
    September 12, 2011
    LorenzoVonMatterhorn
    "Movies were his passion. Women were his inspiration. Angora sweaters were his weakness."

    The mostly true story of the legendary director of awful movies and his strange group of friends and actors.

    REVIEW
    ... read moreont>
    "Ed Wood" is a film, shot entirely in black and white, about the infamous film director who is frequently credited as being the worst director ever. Of course the film is quirky and funny, but also very serious and dramatic in some areas. The film takes place in the 1950s when Wood is trying to make his name in Hollywood by comparing himself to Orson Welles (both being writers-producers-directors). The fact that they have the same career is about the only real similarity. Wood is trying to make it big and enlists the help of the aged, washed-up Bela Lugosi (played to the paramount by Oscar-winning Martin Landau). In spite of the failures Lugosi stays behind Wood and they develop a very close friendship. Wood's strangeness is depicted in the fact that he rarely takes more than one take on a scene, regardless of what happens during that scene. He is also odd because he likes to dress in women's clothes. In a funny yet sad scene near the end Wood declares that "Plan 9 From Outer Space" will be the film that he is remembered for. He is right. However, it is an awful film from a man who may have been too ambitious to make it in Hollywood. In many respects, "Ed Wood" is a modern day masterpiece, a poor man's "Citizen Kane" or "Raging Bull". All deal with men who want to be great but always seem to miss the mark somehow. Tim Burton's direction is gloomy and you can see how much he feels for this man who never accomplished his goals in the cinema. The screenplay is sharp and Johnny Depp is unforgettable in the title role. The supporting cast is also a real joy to behold. Patricia Arquette, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jeffrey Jones, and Bill Murray all add great elements of comedy and drama to this fine motion picture.
  • garyX
    September 6, 2011
    garyX
    Tim Burton was the perfect choice to create this biopic of the undisputed worst ever movie director, Edward Wood Jr., and his affection for and admiration for the man shine through. He is not portrayed as a boob or incompetent, but an ever enthusiastic and infectious amateur who ... read morewould make any compromise or suffer any indignity just to make his dream of making movies come true. There's a lot of humour to be found in the story with many laugh out loud moments, mostly involving the brilliant Martin Landau who portrays screen legend Bela Lugosi as a kind of foul-mouthed Norma Desmond with a sense of humour. The cast are all wonderful in fact, making a kind of Addams family of misfits and it's very difficult not to warm to them in their struggle to attain the American dream. This heart warming story is embellished with some fantastic cinematography that echoes the atmosphere of old style horror movies perfectly, especially during the scenes when Burton lovingly recreates scenes from Wood's "masterpiece" Plan 9 From Outer Space. Typically Tim Burton in its approach, but the story beneath is a much more human one making for a fine biopic as well as valentine for the Hollywood B Movie of old.
  • ajv2688
    May 23, 2011
    ajv2688
    Film fans like me are grateful to Burton for making this film, as it introduced people to one of the greatest worst directors ever, Ed Wood. This movie about him is more than a mere documentary, it's got just as much dark comedy, charm, and style as his other films. It's brilli... read moreant and beautiful, and I highly recommend it, along with Ed Wood's films.
  • purplemegan
    April 14, 2011
    purplemegan
    It was okay, it's crazy to think that a lot of it was true.
  • skeletonking101
    January 12, 2011
    skeletonking101
    this movie is by far the best biopic ive ever seen, it payed homage to all of Eds films and it really is an unforgettable film. But the character who stole the show was Bela Lugosi (MArtin Landau) Martin pulled off every moment in the film perfectly, he acted in the film fantasti... read morecally, every time that Lugosi cried i cried, it was pulled off perfectly in the whole film. Tim Burton truly knew what he was doing, it makes fun of Ed wood just as much as celebrates him, and Johnny Depp did by far his best performance in this movie.

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Critic Reviews

Todd McCarthy
October 5, 2008
Todd McCarthy, Variety

Beguiling rather than thrilling, oddly charming instead of transporting, meaning that Disney will have its work cut out for it with what is at heart a cult movie and a film buff's dream. Full Review

Janet Maslin
May 20, 2003
Janet Maslin, New York Times

Mr. Depp isn't best known as a comic actor, but he gives a witty and captivating performance, bringing wonderful buoyancy to this crazy role. Full Review

Peter Travers
May 12, 2001
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

Outrageously disjointed and just as outrageously entertaining, the picture stands as a successful outsider's tribute to a failed kindred spirit.

John Hartl
January 1, 2000
John Hartl, Film.com

In his finest, funniest, most poignant film to date, Tim Burton plays cinematic alchemist, turning drive-in schlock into movie gold.

Richard Corliss
January 1, 2000
Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine

This Ed Wood is dead wood.

Lucy Mohl
January 1, 2000
Lucy Mohl, Film.com

[An] oddly affectionate bio-pic.

Edward Guthmann
January 1, 2000
Edward Guthmann, San Francisco Chronicle

An entertaining, oddly affectionate look at the cross-dressing grade-Z moviemaker. Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

The movie's black and white photography convincingly recaptures the look and feel of 1950s sleaze, including some of the least convincing special effects in movie history. Full Review

James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

Given the finished film, one also has to wonder if Ed Wood was interesting enough to base a two- hour movie on. Full Review

Hal Hinson
January 1, 2000
Hal Hinson, Washington Post

Making a movie about the life of Ed Wood certainly qualifies as an impossible dream, but Burton has pulled it off with wit, imagination and something amazingly close to grace. Full Review

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Facts

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    • Orson Welles [uncredited]: Visions are worth fighting for.
    • Ed Wood: This is the one. This is the one I'll be remember for.
    • Bela Lugosi: They don't want the classic horror films anymore. Today it's all giant bugs. Giant spiders, giant grasshoppers... Who would believe such nonsense?
    • Bela Lugosi: Bullshit, Im ready now. Roll the camera!
    • Cameraman Bill: I think we should cange the title to plan 9 from outer space.
    • Ed Wood: Plan 9 thats ridicules.
    • Ed Wood: Your like the got... the pupet master.
    • Bela Lugosi: Ahhhh so I pull the string.
    • Ed Wood: Pull the strings... I like that.
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  • Which 5 of these Tim Burton films did Johnny Depp star in?  Answer »
  • Who played Bela Lugosi in Tim Burton's 'Ed Wood' film?  Answer »
  • In which film does Johnny Depp play a 1950's film director?  Answer »
  • In which movie did Johnny Depp play a cross-dressing film director?  Answer »
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