Dark Shadows Review

Dark Shadows (2012)

For anyone semi-thinking that the whole Burton-Depp-Carter thing might be coming to a head, look no further than Dark Shadows (2012), the latest release from that troupe.  Based on the title melodrama from the 70s, the film chronicles the 20th Century reawakening of 19th Century vampire Barnabas Collins (obviously played by Johnny Depp).  I could explain more about the plot, but this is a negative review and doesn't require much in my opinion.

Regardless of the differences between the plot of the original series and this movie, most of the audience won't care as director Tim Burton's audience will likely not have much experience with the original; we are a bit too young.  And regardless of whether Burton and Depp are huge fans of the source material, the final product is so problematic that the audience probably won't be converted.  In Burton films past, the gimmicks and recurring cast could be forgiven through tasty stories well executed with top notch performances, but Dark Shadows seems to miss every mark.  The story is too convoluted to be tasty, the direction is surprisingly poor, and the performances are a little strained (save for an excellent and ageless Michelle Pfeiffer).  All in all, the film is unfortunately lifeless.  But worst of all is the film's inability to make up its mind on whether it's a campy fish-out-of-water comedy or a Gothic macabre drama.  The film shifts between these two opposing worlds throughout its course, and it makes for a befuddling experience.  Had the film chosen one path, and either or, it could have been successful, but instead it collapses under its own weight.  

This is all really a shame considering the talent behind it.  And while it's true that these cracks were somewhat apparent in the 2010 Burton-Depp-Carter offering Alice in Wonderland (2010), here the fissures are gaping.  As unlikely as it might sound, it's probably time for this this team to split, unless they can muster another Sweeney Todd (2007).  In the end, Dark Shadow's is as bleak a viewing experience as its name implies.

McS