Written by HIH Houseguest Lizzy Cline

Tim Burton’s name is synonymous with words like genius, dark, quirky, strange, eccentric and yes even to some scary. But none can deny his influence on pop culture and film today. His persona can be a bit intimidating, but unlike the stereotype some may have, I found him to be fun and cheerful and a glimmer in his eye of mischief.

His most recent inspiration is in the form of art at the LACMA museum in Los Angeles. This exhibit is full of past works from Burton himself and spans his whole career. Tim was on hand for the opening and to meet and greet a few hundred lucky fans who stood in line for hours just to gain a signature and a copy of his book, The Art of Tim Burton. The day after the opening he was off to continue his work in England on the new film Dark Shadows with of course his partner in crime, Mr. Johnny Depp and his most beautiful wife Helena Bonham Carter. There wasn’t much time for a lot of questions but any time this icon can spare is precious to be sure…

Lizzy Cline: Do you feel a bit like your work is coming full circle with this exhibit?

Tim Burton: To be sure a long way from Cal Arts. The exhibit if full of work that spans a long period of time.

Lizzy Cline: What does this exhibit mean to you personally? What do you hope people gain from experiencing it?

Tim Burton: The curators found a lot of stuff I had forgotten about (and some I don’t remember at all). It was an unsettling trip down memory lane, but ultimately a good way to reflect and in some ways reinvigorate. I’m not sure what others will gain. Hopefully they won’t run screaming.

Lizzy Cline: Could you say one thing you feel is important for the young people (children) that look up to you and your art?

Tim Burton: When I was younger, people like Vincent Price helped keep me alive. He was an outlet, being able to watch him express in dramatic fashion so many of the feelings that kids have, that were shunned as abnormal in 60’s suburbia. If my art can act as that to people of current generations, a way to connect to an outlet lacking in society, then I’m glad.

Lizzy Cline: Do you find yourself feeling more as an artist at times? Maybe from your Disney roots?

Tim Burton: Well sometimes I just want to draw. It’s kind of a mind expanding thing for me.

Lizzy Cline: Do you feel your inspiration for characters have changed since becoming a father?

Tim Burton: I don’t feel like it’s changed anything, though I may end up seeing some stuff I normally wouldn’t watch. I still pursue the projects I can connect with and that present a challenge.

Lizzy Cline: You are working right now on the Dark Shadows film with Johnny. Can you talk about meeting him? Your friendship?

Tim Burton: I had an immediate connection with him. I didn’t know him. I had never watched him before. He just felt right for “Edward Scissorhands.” Now we’re friends and also colleagues. There’s a good sort of non-communicative communication, you know. Like our own language, an understanding. More of a psychic kind of connection.

Lizzy Cline: Dark Shadows can be viewed as an American cult piece; can you give us a peek inside your thoughts as the creative process takes place? How will you approach this piece?

Tim Burton: It’s a real ethereal tone we’re trying to go for and I don’t know yet how it’s going to go, it’s so early yet. We are still trying to get the feel, vibe for it. Every piece has its own feel. We’ve barely started, so your guess is as good as mine.

Lizzy Cline: You aren’t doing this film in 3D is there a reasoning behind that?

Tim Burton: Well I loved doing Alice in 3D, the experience was just great, but I don’t think every film should rely on a certain base. There just doesn’t seem to be a place for 3D in this piece. With film your whole energy is based on your passion for doing something. I’ve found it’s important to stay with the original feeling you have for a project.

Lizzy Cline: Many people have said you have found your comfort zone working with Johnny, what can you say about that? More projects to come?

Tim Burton: Well you know it’s not just a comfort thing, I think as the work allows you go with who and what you know. He gets me and he is passionate about a lot of the same ideas I am. Yes, there’s a connection there, but a lot of directors work with the same actors over and over again. If it works so be it.

The Burton Art exhibit will be in LA through the fall month of October. All kids get in free!

Dark Shadows is set to release this winter in the US Starring Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins and Helena Bonham Carter as Julia Hoffman. His newest 3D project Freankeweenie will be premiered at the D23 Expo August 19-21.

For more information on his exhibit or to order one of his books visit the LACMA site, http://shop.lacma.org

Many thanks to Miranda Carroll at LACMA.
Pictures from Richard Maldonado.

Written by HIH Houseguest Lizzy Cline

I caught up with Holt at the young stage play, “Love like a Hun” in Hollywood. The ‘test run’ was a great concept and reminiscent of theatre in Los Angeles before “politically correct” became the norm. (See review below) The Hun is looking for independent support and investors, interested parties can contact Holt on facebook. Get to know one of Hollywood’s emerging stars Mr. Holt Boggs. You can see Holt right now in The Prodigy currently playing on Starz and Encore.

Click here for more info:

Review of “Love Like a Hun”:

What happens when you believe in modern progress? The thought presents itself besides the question, what happens when you get what you thought you wanted? This is the situation that Joe finds himself in during the stage play of “Love like A Hun.” The script addresses the preconceived notions of marriage and social standing prejudices in today’s society. Joe, portrayed by Holt Boggs, thinks he is control over every part of his life at work and at home. When he loses control over his own desire for “progress”, a circle of life’s clichés follow. Holt pulls along the dialog like the tourbillion in a clock with his passion and honesty to the character and story. A hint of humor, Holt doesn’t skip a beat as he is asked, “Where is your wife from again?” “Hell, she’s from Hell.” The counter to Joe is Atilla, Frank Gangarossa, who brings about a bit of dark drive to the stage with his direct approach to the character itself. Mixed in with the comedic timing of Holgar Moncada as Daniel, there were plenty of laughs and enjoyable action scenes that brought about an afternoon well spent. True to the stereotypes and surface views in today’s world, the writer and director of this piece has successfully approached topics that still seems to be taboo in most circles.

Holt Boggs official site: www.HoltBoggs.com

Click here for Holt Boggs Facebook Page.

Click here for Holt Boggs at IMDb.com.

To learn more about writer and HIH Houseguest, Lizzy Cline visit her Facebook page,  Click here