Tim Burton’s “The Corpse Bride” is stylistically similar to 1993’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and to fans of that film, this movie will be an amazing romp through the nostalgic animated world.
Starring the vocal talents of Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, “Corpse Bride” is based on a Russian folktale where a groom-to-be accidentally weds a corpse when he puts a wedding ring on a corpse’s hand (which he mistakes for a root sticking out of the ground) while practicing his vows.
The story revolves around the arranged marriage of Victor (Depp) and Victoria (Emily Watson). Victor’s family is looking to get into the upperclass through marriage, and Victoria’s is trying to save face from bankruptcy, which sets up classic dramatic irony for the climax of the movie. On the night before the ceremony, Victor goes walking through the woods near town, trying to get his vows right when he inadvertently speaks his vows to a dead woman lying hidden in the snow. After fleeing from her resurrected corpse, he passes out and is taken to the underworld with his new bride. Victor then tries to get back to his beloved living fiance.
I liked the film to a certain extent, but it did seem to drag along at times, and I wasn’t ever compelled to wonder what was going to happen next. It was sparingly broken up by songs similar to those of “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and the one twist at the end wasn’t even a surprise to me, since it was hinted at early on. Also, the theater seemed to have something wrong with its sound system, so all of the songs, score, and some of the dialogue sounded poorly mixed and a bit scratchy. The animation also seemed choppy at times, but this is part of the style and ambiance of the film, so it is easily dismissed. Beyond that, the movie offers a few good laughs and an off-the-wall story. If you’re a fan of “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Corpse Bride” shouldn’t be missed. If you weren’t a fan, then save yourself $10. Or go see it tonight – Program Council is showing the film at 8 p.m. in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center Theatre, and admission is free.
