Why He's Famous

• Burton became a household name in the 1980s after directing popular films such as "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" in 1985 and "Beetle Juice" in 1988. While each of these movies appealed to a specific, generally young audience, Burton exploded onto the Hollywood scene when he was chosen to direct the live-action "Batman" in 1989 starring Michael Keaton. Since then, Burton has gone on be a prolific filmmaker working in a variety of styles. His movies have run the range from critical successes to popular blockbusters and films that have developed a cult following.
  
  

Early Life

• Burton was born in 1958 in the film-oriented Los Angeles suburb of Burbank, California. He was raised in a middle class family and attended public schools, where he took little interest in formal studies. Growing up near the film industry, Burton turned his childhood imagination into a career when he was selected as a scholarship recipient to attend the California Institute of the Arts. Burton studied animation and, upon graduation, was hired by the Walt Disney Studios in the early 1980s.
  
  

First Films

• Several of Burton's earliest films are little known today. His first short film, "Vincent," was completed in 1982 and employed a similar stop-motion animation technique that would be used in "The Nightmare Before Christmas," which Burton conceived and produced. "Vincent" (1982) was narrated by Vincent Price and immediately established Burton's interest in humorous yet macabre subject matter. Another short film, "Frankenweenie" in 1984, was Burton's way of paying homage to classic horror films such as "Frankenstein." In 1985 Burton was given his first feature film to direct in "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" starring Paul Reubens.
  
  

Later Work

• Following "Batman," Burton directed a number of well-known films, often serving as producer or writer as well. In 1990 he directed "Edward Scissorhands," which became the first of many collaborations with actor Johnny Depp. In 1992 Burton returned to the "Batman" franchise to direct a sequel, "Batman Returns." He directed "Ed Wood" in 1994, chronicling the life of the infamous director who, despite being popularly known as the worst filmmaker of all time, was an admittedly major source of influence for Burton. Other films directed by Burton include "Mars Attacks!," "Sleepy Hollow," "Big Fish," and "Sweeney Todd," as well as the remakes "Planet of the Apes" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."
  
  

Trademarks

• There are several characteristics that are predominant in many of Burton's films, making him one of Hollywood's more recognizable creative talents. Most of his films borrow from horror film conventions, and include supernatural elements. Disturbing images are common, but Burton's films remain tempered by comedy and many receive a PG or PG-13 rating. Burton is also known for working with composer Danny Elfman on many occasions. He has worked with actor Johnny Depp in more than half a dozen films. Burton has also cast his wife, actress Helena Bonham Carter, in several films.