Despite his contrarian artiste nature and indie filmmaker persona, director Tim Burton helmed some of the biggest blockbusters in Hollywood history. With his roots in drawing and animation, Burton crafted over his career distinctly designed films that reflected the gothic horror influences of his youth. Starting with “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure” (1985), Burton quickly developed a reputation for a surreal artistic vision that often overshadowed narrative necessities. But his films were financially successful, leading to him directing the first two installments of the lucrative Dark Knight series,
Tim Burton is film's dark, big-haired prince, the Robert Smith to Hollywood's Cure. And when his creative madness and singular style hit, there's nothing better. When they miss -- not so much.Top Five:1. The Nightmare Before…
Designed anti-litter poster that won top prize in local California refuse company contest, while still in high school; Burton's artwork adorned Burbank garbage trucks for one year
After graduating from art school, worked as animator at Walt Disney Studios
1982
Released first animated (stop-motion) short film, "Vincent"; film won several film festival awards
1984
Made live-action short, "Frankenweenie," which inspired Paul Reubens to give him his first feature directing assignment
1985
Feature directing debut, "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure," starring Reubens (aka Pee Wee Herman); also marked first collaboration with music composer Danny Elfman
