Thirty-five years ago, one of the most bold and bizarre film ideas ever hit the big screen.Edward Scissorhandswas the vision of directorTim Burton, who wanted to tell a story about what it feels like being different. And, of course, he told it in the most Tim Burton way possible, with tons ofgothic whimsyand plenty of humor and heart. The film was a big success at the box office and has become a classic. It also transformedJohnny Depp'scareer from a teen idol into a serious actor. We dug up some arcane facts to celebrate its 35th anniversary.
15A Modern Fairy Tale
Winona Ryder, who plays Kim in the film, described the character of Edward Scissorhands as "A combination of all my favorite fairy tale characters, of course in modern day, in suburbia."
14Welcome to Burbank
Tim Burton said that the unnamed town inEdward Scissorhandsdepicted what it was like for him growing up in Burbank, California.
13Why Burton Cast Johnny Depp
For Edward Scissorhands,Burtonsaid he was "looking for somebody who got the idea of that sadness of being misperceived."
12It Made Depp Cry
Johnny Depp cried when he read the script forEdward Scissorhands. "It was one of the most beautiful things I'd ever read in my life," hesaid.
11Sleeping with Scissorhands
To understand what Edward goes through while asleep, Depp left the scissorhands on and tried it. When he awoke the next morning, he'd found the hands across the room. "I'd flung them off during the night at some point,"Depp said.
10Danny Elfman's Music
BurtondescribedDanny Elfman's score as like "a lead character" in the film.
9Another Edward
Gary Oldman turned down the role of Edward Scissorhands because his reaction to the script was "It's ridiculous." However, upon seeing the film, Oldman said "Literally two minutes in I went 'Yeah, I get it. I get it.' I just got it too late."
8Kim's View of Edward
Ryder said that she thought her character was the only one who had an honest reaction to Edward Scissorhands, whereas everyone else in the town treated him like a celebrity.
7Peg's View of Edward
Diane Wiest, who plays Peg in the film,saidthat her character "doesn't look at Edward's hands — or deformity, if you will — as a deformity or something that could hurt her." She also said Peg has "A tremendous amount of empathy."
6Alan Arkin on 'Edward Scissorhands'
Alan Arkin, who plays Bill in the film, calledEdward Scissorhands"The most original production I've ever been connected with."
5Arkin on Bill
Arkin described his character as "A barbecue-y kinda guy."
4Why Scissors?
Speaking on why he thought of scissors for hands,Burton said"It first started out of just those very simple teenage impulses of wanting to touch and wanting to communicate but not being able to. You know, the internal being at odds with the external. Again, very universal, very classic."
3No Edward Knifehands
On another occasion when Burton was asked "Why scissors?" he explained that scissors are very suburban and are associated with "making things," whereas knives were more associated with horror and "destroying things."
2From '21 Jump Street' to 'Edward Scissorhands'
Johnny Depp was a bold casting choice as the actor was seen as a "teen heartthrob" thanks to his part in21 Jump Street. Burton, however, saw that Depp was misperceived, just like Edward.
1A Beautiful Story
Edward Scissorhandswas one of the final roles of horror legend Vincent Price, who played The Inventor in the film. Inan interview, Price describedEdward Scissorhandsas "A beautiful story."
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