Tim Burton must have really loved his dog. Frankenweenie is clearly right in Tim Burton’s wheelhouse: a combination of a lonely boy-lovable dog relationship coupled with a Frankenstein homage. Despite the unorthodox look of these characters, Burton clearly has deep affection for his creations. If you have a pet, even the macabre look of the kids will cause your heart to melt.
Victor (voice of Charlie Tahan) is a content kid because he has two loving parents (voice of Martin Short and Catherine O’Hara) and a wonderful dog, Sparky. One day, a horrible thing happens: Sparky is hit by a car and killed. After being inspired by his science teacher Mr. Rzykruski (Martin Landau), Victor decided to resurrect Sparky from the dead. He succeeds, but soon the kids find out and want to steal Victor’s invention, but their experiments do not go as expected.
Burton elects to film Frankenweenie using stop-motion animation in black and white. This can be a drawback for today’s color ADD movie environment. However, Tim Burton compensates with execution and specificity. There are several beautiful shots like a burning windmill or reflection of rain on bed sheets that provide subtle texture to each scene. Burton also uses silhouettes and shadows better than most filmmakers. In addition, Burton’s reimagination of different versions of the Frankenstein monster through pets are very inventive and equal parts scary and awe-inspiring for kids.
The sheer adoration for the characters elevates Frankenweenie over other animated efforts. Sparky is really adorable and enthusiastic; he even has a very self-aware montage that is heartbreaking to watch and expertly directed without words. Victor might not have many friends, but he is content in who he is. His schoolmates aren’t bullies, but competitors in a science fair. They don’t hate Victor, they just want his invention. His teachers and parents care about him and his love of his pet. While not becoming fully realized characters, most of Frankenweenie’s cast at least has different shades.
I never understood Tim Burton when I was a kid. I found him unnecessarily grotesque and dark. However, as I have grown up, I learned to look under the surface. Frankenweenie shows just how much heart exists under a misunderstood exterior. Also, pets can make even the darkest of situations brighten.