Movie: Beetlejuice

Release Date: March 30, 1988

Director: Tim Burton

Starring: Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Michael Keaton, Jeffrey Jones, Catherine O’Hara, Winona Ryder.

Tag Lines: “Say it once… Say it twice… But we dare you to say it THREE TIMES.”

“He’s guaranteed to put some life, in your afterlife.”

“He’s the ghost with the most.”

“In This House… If You’ve Seen One Ghost… You Haven’t Seen Them All.”

“The Name In Laughter From The Hereafter.”

Relevance: In 1988, I was already a fan of Tim Burton, but I didn’t know it. His feature film debut as a director was released in 1985 and was one of my favorite films back in the day. In fact, it is in my top fifty films of all time and will show up on this blog much later this year. I just didn’t know he directed it back then. And when I saw the trailer to ‘Beetlejuice,’ I didn’t know he directed that either, but I knew I needed to see it as soon as possible.

In the Spring of 1988, I was finishing up my Junior year in High School. I had a pretty active social life, one that often included going to the movies with friends. For some reason, I did not see ‘Beetlejuice’ when it was released in theaters. It was a financial success in the box office and was praised by critics. I also remember talking about it with two friends who had gone to see the movie. They gave it rave reviews, citing its quirkiness, humor and excellent performance by Michael Keaton. All of that would have definitely furthered my interest in seeing it. But I did not.

I didn’t see the film until it was released later that year as a rental. And as soon as I saw it, I was in love. The story, the cast, the creativity and the music were all perfection. Watching it, I felt a little familiarity with that favorite film from 1985. After a little research and finding out who directed it, I knew why I felt that way. Tim Burton. By that time it was already announced that a Batman feature film was going to be released in 1989 with Mr. Burton as director. I couldn’t have been any more excited.

‘Beetlejuice’ was one of those films that I watched over and over again when it was on HBO. It was a pretty well received film by my entire family. I know for a fact it made my father laugh. Even my mom, who was not at all a fan of horror in any way, shape or form, found it weird, but endearing. She really loved the actors in it and I think that made her overlook the “strangeness” that would otherwise turn her off. It was a movie that would always cheer me up and put a smile on my face.

The music to the movie was another influential aspect that could not be ignored. The haunting, whimsical and beautiful score by Danny Elfman was the perfect fit for the film. However, the songs “The Banana Boat Song” and “Jump in the Line (Shake, Senora)” by Harry Belafonte were almost characters themselves in the movie, both playing pivotal roles in the story line. The prior song even got quite a bit of radio airplay around the time of the movie’s release. It was hard to go anywhere without hearing “Day-O” blaring through the speakers. In fact, at the time I worked at a fine dining restaurant with a Polynesian theme as a busboy. Those songs were played incessantly during an eight hour shift. Every time I heard them, I couldn’t help but think “Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse.”

Over the years, ‘Beetlejuice’ has become a cult classic and is played a lot on television, especially during the Halloween season. Of course, you know I watch it every time I see that it is on. How could I not? It is weird, funny, and always, always entertains. And it always will.

Today’s Thoughts: “This is my art, and it is dangerous! Do you think I want to die like this?”

Watching ‘Beetlejuice’ today was fun. I was alone and I treated it like a karaoke picture. I quote this movie a lot. And I mean, a lot. I can’t tell you how many times I have said, “I myself am, strange and unusual.” So today’s viewing was a vocal viewing with me blurting out my favorite quotes as loudly as I can. Good times.

It is amazing to think that ‘Beetlejuice’ is only Mr. Burton’s second feature film as director. It is so well constructed and produced, one would think a well-seasoned filmmaker was in charge. One of the best parts about the film is the incredible all-star cast. Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Michael Keaton, Jeffrey Jones and Winona Ryder are absolutely fantastic in it. I mean, really, really fantastic. But I have to say that Catherine O’Hara steals every moment. I absolutely adore her as Delia Deetz. She is so perfectly funny in this role and always makes me laugh out loud.

Tim Burton has been one of my favorite directors since 1985. He has seven films on my list of most influential movies of all time. ‘Beetlejuice’ is number five. (For the other four see 315. Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, 300. Mars Attacks!, 293. Ed Wood and 267. Edward Scissorhands.) His creativity and weirdness is unyielding and has been revered for years by both critics and fans alike. When you look at his body of work, it is quite impressive and he has to be considered one of the greatest filmmakers of his generation. I am so thankful for his films and look forward to watching his last two on this list later this year. Until then…”Let’s turn on the juice and see what shakes loose.”

Awards: Academy Award for Best Makeup, Ve Neill, Steve LaPorte, Robert Short (winner), BAFTA Award for Best Make Up Artist, Ve Neill, Steve LaPorte, Robert Short (nomination), BAFTA Award for Best Special Effects, Peter Kuran, Alan Munro, Robert Short, Ted Rae (nomination), National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actor, Michael Keaton (winner).

Ways to Watch: Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Vudu, iTunes, Hulu, DVD Availability.