Photo credit: movieweb.com
Lily-Rose Depp Reflects on Childhood Trauma from “Edward Scissorhands”
Lily-Rose Depp has recently garnered attention for her role in Robert Eggers’ reimagining of Nosferatu, where she faces the terrifying Count Orlok, portrayed by Bill Skarsgård. However, in a candid discussion, she revealed that a different kind of horror haunted her in her youth—a dark fantasy film featuring her father, Johnny Depp.
Growing up, Lily-Rose was profoundly affected by the 1990 film Edward Scissorhands, directed by Tim Burton. In this film, her father plays the titular character, a gently misunderstood soul created by a scientist and bestowed with scissors for hands. Edward’s tragic narrative, which shifts from acceptance to ostracism, struck a chord with her. Lily-Rose recounted her feelings about the film in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar UK.
“I was traumatized by it,” she explained. “Not because I thought he was scary, but because everyone was being so mean to him and I got really upset. I remember being petrified by that, which is weird because I don’t have many memories from when I was that young. It’s a difficult childhood memory.”
Lily-Rose’s connection to the character of Edward reveals a deeper theme of empathy that she feels extends to her portrayal of a vampire in Nosferatu. “Edward’s the good guy and Nosferatu’s kind of the bad guy, but there’s a part of me that feels a little bit of empathy for Nosferatu. I mean, am I sick for feeling that way?” she pondered.
‘Edward Scissorhands’ Continues to Be a Much-Loved Classic
The collaboration between Tim Burton and Johnny Depp, spanning nearly three decades, has produced several iconic films, with Edward Scissorhands standing out as a cultural touchstone. This film not only defined Burton’s distinctive visual style but also played a pivotal role in propelling Depp’s acting career forward.
By merging elements of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Grimm’s fairy tales, Edward Scissorhands presents moments that resonate deeply with viewers—particularly with children encountering the film for the first time. The heartbreaking conclusion emphasizes the harsh realities faced by those labeled as outsiders, touching on themes of acceptance that remain relevant across generations.
While it may seem unusual for Lily-Rose to draw parallels between her feelings for Edward and Count Orlok, both characters navigate their narratives seeking love and understanding. Though Orlok’s methods are far more sinister, the underlying tragic themes echo across both films. The impact of Depp’s portrayal of Edward left a lasting impression on Lily-Rose, recalling a similar affinity for the complexities present in Orlok’s character.
In essence, both stories navigate the challenging landscape of societal rejection, showcasing how characters akin to “monsters” can evoke profound empathy and reflection.
Release Date: December 14, 1990
Runtime: 105 minutes
Source
movieweb.com