From the wonderfully warped imagination of Tim Burton comes the story of Barnabas Collins (Johnny Depp), a dashing aristocrat who is turned into a vampire by a jilted lover and entombed for two centuries. Emerging from his coffin into the world of 1972, he returns to his once-majestic home, only to the few dysfunctional descendants of the Collins family who remain. Determined to return his family name to its former glory, Barnabas is thwarted at every turn by his former lover – the seductive witch Angelique (Eva Green) – in this wildly imaginative” (Sam Hallenbeck, NBC-TV adventure). Starring: Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, Eva Green, Jackie Earle Haley
Directed by: Tim Burton
Runtime: 112 minutes
Studio: Warner Home Video
Amazon USAmazon UKIMDBReview: Dark Shadows
Tim Burton’s latest film seems him collaborate once more with Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter and even Christopher Lee. The story begins in the 18th century with the history of the Collins family that emigrate from Liverpool and set up business in Maine. Barnabas (Johnny Depp) makes the mistake of having an affair with a maid, Angelique (Eva Green), who is madly in love with him and also a witch. When Barnabas spurns Angelique and falls for Josette (Bella Heathcote), Angelique takes a vicious revenge. She orchestrates the deaths of Barnabas’ parents then has Josette throw herself from a cliff. In despair Barnabas tries to kill himself only to find Angelique has cursed him to be a vampire. Barnabas is later imprisoned in a coffin where he remains buried for nearly 200 years.
In 1972 construction workers inadvertently unleash Barnabas who returns home and meets the latest generation of the Collins family – Elizabeth (Michelle Pfeiffer) and her rebellious daughter, Carolyn (Chloe Grace Moretz); Elizabeth’s brother Roger (Jonny Lee Miller) and his son David (Gulliver McGrath). Also on the scene is a psychiatrist, Dr Julia Hoffman (Helena Bonham Carter). The Collins family still have a fishing business but it is failing thanks to the efforts of Angel Bay, a rival business fronted by none other than Angelique whose revenge against the Collins family show no signs of abating. Barnabas is determined to restore the fortunes of his family and get the better of the witch that cursed him. He has a lot to lose though, not just his family and business but the new caretaker, Victoria (Bella Heathcote), who he has fallen for.
Dark Shadows is quite good but in the end has to be dismissed as one of Burton’s weakest projects. While I welcome Burton and Depp working together once more, it’s not enough for both men to carry a film alone. A decent cast is on offer here with many underused and although there are some amusing moments in this one, it feels like a bit of a mess. Burton’s more recent films haven’t been up to the standards of the work he was churning out in the early nineties but he remains a fine director. Elements of his magic are on display here just not enough of the time.
Verdict: 3/5
(Film source: reviewer’s own copy)
About the Author:
I was born in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England and have always been a bookworm and enjoyed creative writing at school. In 1999 I created the Elencheran Chronicles and have been writing ever since. My first novel, Fezariu's Epiphany, was published in May 2011. When not writing I'm a lover of films, games, books and blogging. I now live in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, with my wife, Donna, and our six cats - Kain, Razz, Buggles, Charlie, Bilbo and Frodo.
David M. Brown – who has written 804 posts on Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave.
