Transitions/Editing

Edward Scissorhands uses fade transitions to create flow within the opening and to give the opening a dreamlike quality which fits with the rest of the movie. The opening is comprised of numerous pan shots and close ups of different objects which represent themes in the film such as the betrayal of Edward by the townspeople and Edward's loss of innocence. By using fade transitions between them, Tim Burton has created a whimsical, flowing scene which draws the viewer into the fairytale feel which the film has.


The use of the fade transition and montage effect makes the opening feel dreamlike and gives the viewer the impression that they are drifting through Edward's thoughts. This gives the viewer an insight and introduction to Edward's character. Images used in the opening seem unrelated to each other, such as a shot of a staircase being followed immediately afterwards by a shot of some machinery such as a large pair of scissors, but are tied together and given meaning by the use of fade transitions. Other aspects of the opening such as a POV shot used with the staircase help to show the reader that the opening is from Edward's point of view, and shows his emotions and his mindset. The use of a montage gives the opening a fairytale feel which relates to the childlike manner of Edward at the beginning of the film.


Other editing techniques are used in the opening, such as the 'scissoring' effect on the titles of the film. This is an reference to the recurring motif of scissors used throughout the film. Edward's scissorhands are used as a metaphor for his differences from regular society, a theme which is explored in the film through his rejection by the townspeople out of their fear of his differences. The use of a scissoring effect on the film's title helps to introduce this motif within the first few seconds of the film and help tie the opening visually with the rest of the film.

By introducing this theme early on in the film, Burton allows the viewer to identify more deeply with the emotions it stirs in Edward, such as his grief at finding acceptance and then losing it again just as quickly, and the isolation he feels as a result of his differences. Through this theme, the viewer can identify more with Edward, which makes the whole film more emotionally compelling.