The Top Directors Working Today: Tim Burton

A polarizing figure, who enjoys the ghoulish and grotesque with a childish fascination. His films are only occasionally mature, and he hardly ever is. I loved his early work, but the road from MARS ATTACKS to THE CORPSE BRIDE is full of misplaced wackiness. Many liked BIG FISH, but it’s the recent SWEENEY TODD that put him back on my good side. He has brilliance in him, but it depends on who shows up to direct, the adult or the kid.