It’s Showtime! The 1988 movie Beetlejuice continues the “strange and unusual” directing ways of Tim Burton by being only his second blockbuster film after Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.
Beetlejuice has quickly become a timeless Halloween classic that’s talked about year after year.
In 2018 an off Broadway show based off the classic was released and became a headlining Broadway show only a year later.
The original story was so shocking and creative that it never gets old no matter how many times you watch it. Because of that and Michael Keaton’s unforgettable performance as the bio-exorcist Betelgeuse, this film remains a classic that is played around Halloween every year.
What makes the film so memorable is how many different genres were being thrown into the film. The main genres represented in Beetlejuice are horror and comedy. Because of this, there are elements for everyone to enjoy.
Not only that, but the film manages to take dark topics and express them in a way that doesn’t cause the viewer to feel sad. The whole movie is based around death and the idea of what happens after you die which to some viewers can be very upsetting. Yet, this film handles it in a way that is more light hearted and has humorous elements while not invalidating the topic. There are even two musical numbers which add to the overall humor and positive vibe of the film.
One of the best aspects of the film is the makeup. Without the makeup Betelgeuse wouldn’t have been able to “come to life” on screen like he did. Sure his ability to make everyone around him uncomfortable makes him creepy enough, but the makeup adds another level to it.
When Adam and Barbara stretched their faces in hopes of scaring the Deetses away, it was truly terrifying. From Adam’s eyes on his fingers to Barbara’s eyes in her mouth, you can’t help but get an unsettling feeling when you look at them.
The makeup helps to achieve the horror feel of the film since a lot of the rest of it is more comedy.
A large worry in the world is what happens after you die. “Beetlejuice” gives an interesting and fun perspective of what might happen. Since the question can’t really be answered, having a more positive idea of the solution can help to alleviate some stress surrounding the idea.
So whether or not you say his name three times, Beetlejuice will always be there every Halloween to add some weird and wonderful comedic elements to your life.