Burton's Monster Movie references

[Slash Man]

It's no secret that Tim Burton is big on the classic monster movies, so it's no surprise that some references made their way into his films. I've only noticed a few, but there's bound to be more out there.

- In Batman Returns, I've heard that when Penguin bumps into a tombstone, almost making it fall over, is a reference to the films of Ed Wood.
- Also in Returns, the concept of a hideous monster seeking acceptance is used with the Penguin. This one's a little more vague, but I think it could be a Frankenstein reference.
- One definate Frankenstein reference is when Catwoman and Penguin are circling around the parakeet's cage. The camera work is identical to that of Frankenstein's when the monster and its creator confront each other in the mill.
- Penguin's makeup seems to be inspired by Lon Chaney's character in "London After Midnight," take a look.

The tophat, the long, frizzy hair, the darkened eye sockets, and the sharpened teeth give it away.

Any other you guys have noticed?

[Paul (ral)]

We have a similar article

http://www.batman-online.com/features/2008/7/26/classic-monsters-references-in-burtons-batman

If you would like to add to it let me know

[Slash Man]

Oh sure. I think I remember reading that article a while back, great story. If you want me to find pics or something, let me know.

And I forgot the most obvious, Max Shrek is named after Max Schreck, best known for playing Dracula/Count Orlok in Nosferatu. I believe the parallel there was that Shrek's power plant would suck up all the power like a vampire.

[Paul (ral)]

Yeah, whatever pictures you want to add would be great, especially when it helps show the comparisons.

PM me your finished work and I will integrate it into the feature and promote it.

[Slash Man]

Sent. Tell me if something didn't send right.

[Slash Man]

Did you get that?

[Catwoman]

This is my first time seeing this. Wow. At first I thought the Lon Chaney pic was supposed to be the Danny version without his monocle and there would be Lon's version under it.

[Paul (ral)]

Did you get that?

Yes, I had to change the png files to jpg to upload to the site, but wasn't near a pc at the time. I slipped my mind after that - apologies. I've just updated the feature.

[Edd Grayson]

Great article!

[Slash Man]

Sorry for the necro post, I just randomly stumbled upon this again. Thanks for uploading it; I feel special being a part of this site now.