Tim Burton is widely regarded as one of the most eccentric, unique directors of his time. His style, and aesthetic, leaves no questions asked whether or not you are watching one of his films. From Batman, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, Beetlejuice, and Edward Scissorhands, Burton’s distinct style of directing has led him to tackle many different subjects throughout his career. Whether good or bad, when the film is complete, you know you’ve just watched a Tim Burton film.

It is to no one’s surprise that Burton went to bat in 1994 for a biopic about a man who was quite eccentric and unique himself, actor and director Ed Wood. Ed Wood respectfully tells the story of “the worst director in the history of film” and despite the moniker, uses the film to tell the story of a man who had his own particular vision, although not a very good one, but a serious one, who in the end received what he wanted and created his own legacy.

How did the worst actor of all time create a legacy for himself?

Wood’s films were put together with stock footage, single takes, and scripts that were nothing short of convoluted. Johnny Depp’s performance as Wood emphasizes this throughout with not only the over the top theatrics but by making a great deal of comedy out of Wood’s passion. What Wood views as serious, others find comedic and because of this, the moment where Wood compares himself to Orson Welles, it can be seen as hilarity instead of arrogance. Burton is able to turn a low-budget filmmaker into a charming character who was not only ecstatic to be making films but never saw a shot he did not like.

With many highlights in this film, no other performance stood out more than the Academy Award-winning performance by Martin Landau as Dracula himself, Bela Lugosi. Now in his later years, Lugosi is a laughing stock to the film industry, forgotten by the public who once adored him, nearly bankrupt and addicted to morphine. Despite this, Lugosi is still seen as one of the finest actors of all time by Wood and decides to put Lugosi back in the lime light by making him the star of his next picture. Landau’s portrayal is stunning in this role and brings Lugosi’s tragedy to life. He is given one last chance at fame. Landau is both amusing and tragic in this role. The chemistry between Landau and Depp is something special and is a highlight of the film.

Winner of two Academy Awards including Best Supporting Actor and Best Makeup, the irony in Ed Wood is that the “worst director of all time” brought out the best of the man and what many consider Tim Burton’s best film.

Reel Talk gives Ed Wood 4 reels