When I heard that Tim Burton’s Dark Shadows was based on a 1970s horror-based soap opera, that was the film I was expecting it to be. When the trailer came out, it looked like the film was taking a campy and comedic route, which I’m sure would have excited people who liked Tim Burton’s early work, such as Beetlejuice. To my pleasant surprise, the film actually turned out to be closer to the former, which I am sure would have disappointed those expecting the latter (though there’s still plenty of campiness in the film).
I actually found that I enjoyed the soap opera/thriller aspects of the film better than the comedic aspects. This tone is set perfectly with what has to be the most subdued opening credits sequence for a Tim Burton film: After a dark prologue for the character of Barnabas Collins (Johnny Depp), we shown a scene of the character Victoria Winters (Bella Heathcote) riding into the town of Collinsport, Maine and Collinwood Manor. The credits are shown in plain white typeface and accompanied by the song “Nights in White Satin.” It definitely gives a different feel than the typical Tim Burton film with the elaborate Danny Elfman-scored opening (I should note that the film still has an Elfman score, though there are also other songs the the late 60s/early 70s throughout, including an actual appearance by Alice Cooper).
Prime Video Channels is the Prime benefit that lets you add channels you love with no long-term commitments. Only members can subscribe to Hollywood Suite on Prime Video. Cancel anytime.
