Ed Wood (1994)
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A whimsical biographical drama follows the life of cult filmmaker Ed Wood and his relationship with his idol, actor Bela Lugosi.
The story
In 1952, aspiring writer and director Ed Wood is struggling to break into the film industry. After being rejected by a producer for a project involving a transvestite's life story, Ed meets his longtime idol, horror film actor Bela Lugosi. Ed befriends Lugosi and attempts to convince a producer to hire the aging star for a low price to ensure a box-office draw. Amidst his professional struggles, Ed navigates his personal life, including a relationship with his girlfriend, Dolores Fuller, who is aware of his secret identity as a transvestite. The film explores Ed's unique approach to filmmaking and his determination to succeed in the Hollywood landscape.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
In 1952, aspiring filmmaker Ed Wood struggles to break into the industry. He befriends his idol, Bela Lugosi, and convinces a producer to hire Lugosi for a film titled Glen or Glenda. During production, Ed uses an unconventional filmmaking style. After the film fails commercially, Ed begins making independent films like Bride of the Monster, eventually hiring a variety of characters including the psychic The Amazing Criswell and the drag queen John "Bunny" Breckinridge. He also enters a relationship with Kathy O'Hara, who accepts his transvestism. After Lugosi's death, Ed secures funding for a science fiction film, Plan 9 from Outer Space, and encounters Orson Welles, who encourages him to maintain his artistic vision. The film ends with Ed and Kathy marrying in Las Vegas, while a post-script notes that although he was once called the 'Worst Director of All Time,' he eventually achieved cult status.
- First release year
- 1994
- Runtime (minutes)
- 126
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Tim Burton
- Writers
- Scott Alexander · writer; Larry Karaszewski · writer
- Cast and characters
- Johnny Depp · Ed Wood; Martin Landau · Bela Lugosi; Sarah Jessica Parker · Dolores Fuller; Patricia Arquette · Kathy O'Hara; Jeffrey Jones · The Amazing Criswell; Bill Murray · John "Bunny" Breckinridge; Lisa Marie · Maila Nurmi / Vampira; Vincent D'Onofrio · Orson Welles
- Genres
- biographical; comedy-drama
- Themes
- artistic integrity; friendship; identity
- Tone and mood
- whimsical; sympathetic
- Premise and plot tags
- biopic; film-making; cult-classic
- Source material / true-story basis
- Rudolph Grey's Nightmare of Ecstasy: The Life and Art of Edward D. Wood Jr.
- Content notes
- LGBTQ-related
- Reception
- The film was met with critical acclaim, particularly for the performances of Johnny Depp and Martin Landau, and is considered a cult classic.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 92% · scale: percentage · review count: 73; Metacritic · score: 71 · scale: 100 · review count: 20
- Awards and nominations
- Academy Award · Best Supporting Actor · win; Academy Award · Best Makeup · win; Golden Globe · Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy · nomination; Golden Globe · Best Supporting Actor · nomination; Golden Globe · Best Musical or Comedy · nomination; Screen Actors Guild Award · Best Supporting Actor · win
- Production trivia
- Tim Burton did not receive a salary for his work on the film.; The film was originally in development at Columbia Pictures before being moved to Touchstone Pictures.; The script was completed in just six weeks.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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