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Ed Wood

Ed Wood

1994
Comedy, Drama
2h 7m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 65.66% from 6163 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(6163)
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Rated 30 Mar 2007
87
98th
Burton gives true meaning to homage. We are still in Burton's universe even though most of it is based on fact. Imaginary encounter of Wood & Kane in a noir style bar is perhaps the most delighful. As well as unforgetable last shot of Lugosi.
Rated 09 Jun 2021
88
78th
This should be mandatory screening for film students beginning their filmmaking journey. It's a remarkable story of a man powering through obstacles with boundless optimism (be it in his professional career or personal crossdressing) while effortlessly embracing his own distinctiveness. Burton's the perfect director as his brand has always empathized with outsiders facing a society's cartoonish repression. And the look perfectly captures the feel of an old time black-and-white picture! Great!
Rated 21 Apr 2009
98
99th
Oddly enough in this, my favorite film by him, Tim Burton steps away from the usual dark fairytale mode and goes for quasi-historic drama instead. Fortunately the story is still pretty bizarre... I like the way this film does catch the vigour, spirit and passion of Wood while still making it evident that he was really crap moviemaker. I cannot help rooting for him (and other fringe characters surrounding him) while their failings are obvious...
Rated 24 Sep 2013
90
93rd
Burtons best films are about Edwards. I would liken the meeting between material and director with Herzog's 'Grizzly Man'. In Burton's universe Ed is indeed an idiot; a director impossible to applaud. But his personality is even harder to dislike. Burton understands the beauty in having passion without talent. As an aspiring film maker, it really made me consider if I was self deluded like Ed. To be safe I quit directing. I'm thinking about giving up the cross dressing, too.
Rated 16 Aug 2008
100
97th
One of Burton's best, a stylish yet playful take on the life of the best worst director of the century. The actors are all magnificent - Martin Landau, Patricia Arquette, Bill Murray, Johnny Depp of course - and the story compelling.
Rated 31 Jan 2009
8
82nd
Burton's best. Good performances all around and the script is lighthearted and fun. Vincent D'Onofrio is such a goddamn great actor. I didn't even know he was in the movie until I saw the cast list.
Rated 10 Jan 2010
96
99th
Burton's opus. Ed Wood captures the slick absurdity of 50's Hollywood, with freaks from all corners of life revolving around the edges of "real" fame. While it's true that it deflates a little once Lugosi is out of the film, that's more to the fact that Landau was phenomenal in the role rather than any real problem with the film. It's amazing how good this is, because Burton has never come close since. The meeting between Wood and Welles is one of the most hilarious/inspiring things ever.
Rated 06 Mar 2008
100
90th
Johnny Depp and Martin Landau's performances are nothing short of outstanding here. It's a very well made film, that shows an interesting subject in an even more interesting light. The recreations of Wood's films are, in fact, incredibly enjoyable to watch. Bill Murray also delivers, managing to make a great deal out of a role that isn't all that much to begin with.
Rated 13 Dec 2008
9
90th
(2nd viewing) "Is filmmaking all worth it?" "It is when it works." Touching, and delightful tribute to both filmmaking and the zany character of Ed Wood that Depp embodies brilliantly. He made me laugh, despise and even pity him at times. Arguably Burton's greatest efforts to date.
Rated 30 Jun 2007
85
63rd
A loving tribute to a group of broken people, lead by the most broken of all. The heart is the relationship between Wood and Lugosi, beautifully brought to life by Depp and Landau. This is probably Burton's most "normal" film, but also one of his most moving.
Rated 15 Jul 2007
80
80th
Basing a movie on Ed Wood's life will ensure both a built-in audience of freakazoids and an interesting story. I thought Johnny Depp was great in this. It's weird, sweet, and Tim Burton's best film.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
95th
Bittersweet, mature movie. Ed Wood is just possibly Tim Burton's best movie. His trademark wacky gothic humor is brought along for the ride, but mainly this is Burton's biggest success at making drama.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
68th
Manages to both parody and honor the life of one of the best bad directors in Hollywood. How Burton pulled it off I'm not really sure, but he did.
Rated 17 Sep 2008
4
74th
A wonderfully tongue-in-cheek homage to one of the most naive, horrible, and misunderstood filmmakers of all time. Wood's genuine love of films is what makes him such a sympathetic figure, and it translates well here through the genuine love Burton and Depp seem to have in portraying the troubled director. Martin Landau is particularly notable as Bela Lugosi. Burton's sensibilities as a director make him perfect for the time period, and the movie boasts awesome art direction and photography.
Rated 12 Apr 2009
9
90th
Quite possibly Tim Burton's best film, if not, definitely the most unappreciated. Johnny Depp was stellar in his performance as Wood, so much that you are convinced he is the notorious cult director. Martin Landau was also extremely impressive as Lugosi, in a role that at some points was heartbreaking. While Wood will go down in history as being the worst director of all-time, the film does an outstanding job of showing you that he actually believed in his films.
Rated 30 Apr 2011
97
95th
Tim Burton's best film, by far. I also think it's Johnny Depp's best role. But the person who you can't help but like the most is Martin Landau as Hungarian horror icon, Bela Lugosi. You really feel like it's Bela Lugosi. One of the great things about it is that when you compare the two, Martin Landau doesn't even look like Bela Lugosi. But it's the way he handles himself that makes you think of Bela Lugosi immediately.
Rated 01 Feb 2019
87
91st
A loving biopic of a man that could have easily turned to a farce. Instead of making fun of the infamous director, Burton gives him life and a sense of passion that most would kill to have. I miss this Burton.
Rated 10 Jan 2009
100
98th
A massive hysteria and a very special homage to one of cinema's most precious looney geniuses.
Rated 29 Apr 2011
87
62nd
A well-acted film (particularly Martin Landau) that avoids making its subject an object of ridicule but still allows us to laugh at his leaps of logic.
Rated 21 Feb 2012
76
82nd
"Do I really look like a horse?"
Rated 25 May 2012
87
94th
This should be ironic or self-conscious, I guess, but Burton's touch is so delicate that even the worst director ever looks greater than he actually is. By framing Ed Wood only as this generous, naive filmmaker, Burton achieves the main greatness of cinema itself: making movies, good or bad ones, is when a person's dream comes to life. Pure magic.
Rated 23 Feb 2013
95
96th
This film is ten pounds of charm in a five pound bag. Utterly hilarious, from Wood's childish enthusiasm, to his bizarre entourage. Burton, how did you stray so far from this? Was this just a fluke?
Rated 21 Aug 2014
90
82nd
If not for Dead Man, this was Johnny Depp's best role in the 90's. Easily Burton's career best and he owes it all to Martin Landau's fiery performance as the pathetic, dying Bela Lugosi.
Rated 07 Sep 2014
80
68th
It gets a little wink-wink in the third act, but Depp's excitement and enthusiasm are infectious, and Burton somehow keeps the pace rollicking along for the whole two hours. It's a very entertaining, likeable movie. Except for Lisa Marie, she was awful.
Rated 22 Mar 2007
100
95th
One of those movies that should have a label on the DVD case stating, "For Movie Nerds Only". If you are, and have even a passing familiarity with Wood's oeuvre, this is a real treat
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
91st
fun movie, great characters and an amusing story about the pioneer of b-movies.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
63rd
Ed Wood, infamous for his terrible directing and film producing, less known for his cross-dressing and obsessive behavior, made for one heck of an interesting biopic. The comical standpoint of the film makes it different than any other biopic, and not only is it entertaining, but it makes you really get to learn about Ed Wood. Really good!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
92
73rd
Burton's best film without hesitation. It's all that needs to be said.
Rated 20 Feb 2008
87
89th
This is just a good weird movie. Depp does a great job portraying Wood. I love how Wood really believes in his films even though they are horrible.
Rated 28 Feb 2008
97
91st
My favorite Tim Burton/Johhny Depp combo.
Rated 02 Mar 2008
100
97th
Burton and Depp's best. A must see, especially if you enjoyed (well, in the MST3k way) Plan 9.
Rated 15 Mar 2008
97
94th
Depp's acting was TOPS
Rated 14 Jun 2008
99
99th
Very Great
Rated 02 Sep 2008
79
58th
Johnny Depp is incredible, possibly his best performance..ever. Soooo Tim Burtony.
Rated 12 Sep 2008
96
95th
"beware of the big green dragon, that sit's on your doorstep" Burton's Monument for Ed Wood. A Masterpiece and one of '"GothBoy's" best Movies
Rated 26 Mar 2009
9
97th
Not only is it a compelling biographical drama with great visuals and outstanding performances from all (most notably Landau), but it is also really really funny. Probably one of the funniest biopics I have ever seen.
Rated 10 Apr 2009
50
67th
A delightful, charming, straight-faced account of a hopelessly obsessive film-maker and transvestite, which turns his ineffectual life and career into some sort of triumphant celebration of the American dream, making a success of failure
Rated 28 Apr 2009
85
73rd
Stylish take on a man who loved making movies, but wasn't loved back
Rated 15 Feb 2010
4
32nd
If anything a few of Landau's scenes were the highlight (notably his film cameos and his attempted suicide and institutionalisation). Depp was his usual self (seeming to rely on others to enhance his role rather than taking a presence himself) and Murray probably shouldn't have been in this as I barely noticed him. The first half was very forgettable and slow, but I guess it picks up a bit and then dwindles again at the end.
Rated 17 Feb 2010
50
46th
Martin Landau was the scene stealer, it seemed more a film about Bela Lugosi's last years more than about Ed Wood.
Rated 18 Mar 2010
6
95th
So much fun. If you don't already love movies and everything about them, this will do the trick. Every single actor fits the part like a glove, but Sarah Jessica Parker as a horrible actress is the stand-out to me - that's some inspired casting.
Rated 09 Apr 2010
90
76th
the scene where bela lugozi walks out of his place, stops and picks up a flower from his garden and then continues to walk, while he is being filmed on a super 8 will haunt me for the rest of my life
Rated 20 Sep 2010
70
85th
Seeing this for the first time I thought it an amusing trifle. Rewatching it recently, it seems like Tim Burton's best film, right there next to Edward Scissorhands. The first time around I missed the goofy warmth the film has for its band of misfits, and its huckster/artist hero. And Martin Landau! Funny and sad.
Rated 12 Oct 2010
88
69th
not like the other Burton movies, but nicely directed and well-acted. I loved it overall!
Rated 26 Oct 2010
91
86th
Burton makes his money taking typical Hollywood properties with conventional screenplays and tricking them out with perverse art direction, disturbing mannerisms and odd details. That Burton is okay, but this is the Burton I like better: in "Ed Wood," he takes a twisted, disturbing character and treats him as wholesomely and sympathetically as possible. The result is probably Burton's best movie. And of course Martin Landau is wonderful as Bela Lugosi.
Rated 01 Jan 2011
100
89th
One of those rare films that communicates the exquisite joy of the moviemaking process.
Rated 18 Feb 2011
100
96th
Far and away the best film Tim Burton has made to date. Affectionate, funny and distinctive, with a brilliant ensemble cast. Landau is extraordinary.
Rated 21 Mar 2011
83
34th
As this film is an homage to the man who brought us Plan 9 From Outer Space, it might be agreeable that doing a little research about the guy becomes a requirement before diving in to this one. Ed Wood is a film that is so unbelievably meta that it is hard to be in on the joke; and I think where it flounders is that we are never shown any of his films or why they are so bad (save maybe the terrible play at the beginning). We're just left with a sense that they will be terrible. Big yawn to me.
Rated 29 Jun 2011
75
56th
A fun dramatization of Ed Wood's directorial career. I feel like this movie could have 30 minutes shaved off it and benefit, but overall it's fun and light-hearted.
Rated 28 Jul 2011
100
80th
johnny is always dynamite in his roles and this is no acception. martin landau is amazing as bela lugosi and if he doesn't make you snicker, you're made of stone. this movie introduced me to the classic horror film icon, as well as horror show host vampira. it just point blank makes me laugh. it tells a unique and hilarious story of an eccentric cross dressing director. i also adore the black and white touch, it gives the film a melancholy tint.
Rated 08 Aug 2011
81
84th
A great movie about one of the strangest people in film-making history. At least that's what it's supposed to be. While I loved Depp's portrayal of Ed Wood and the comical aspects of his life and movies, for me the best and most memorable parts of the movie are those about Bela Lugosi. Martin Landau was brilliant in his role.
Rated 21 Aug 2011
80
73rd
A movie that I'm still not entirely sure what to make of. Fun, absolutely, and fascinating, though at points you're not sure if you're supposed to be laughing or cringing, and if you are supposed to be laughing - with him or at him?
Rated 18 Sep 2011
75
83rd
To its strength, it feels less like a Tim Burton film than much of his other work. Whoever cast this film deserves a hearty handshake; each actor suits his or her role perfectly.
Rated 03 Nov 2011
67
21st
Funny and quirky, Ed Wood boasts a solid, goofy performance from Depp, who isn't QUITE as overbearing as he would later become in other Burton films. Martin Landau kills it as Bela Lugosi, and much of the supporting cast is giving time to shine as well. The fun does wear off when you realize the film barely has structure; it's more of a vehicle to reference as much of Wood's work and life as possible. Still, it has it's funny moments, and the black and white cinematography is excellent.
Rated 10 Dec 2011
93
97th
Visions are worth fighting for
Rated 15 Dec 2011
100
99th
This film has a great entertaining script and two outstanding performances by Johnny Depp and Martin Landau. The rest of the cast does a fine job as well. I highly recommend this film.
Rated 28 Jan 2012
8
80th
If an outcast had the ambition, resourcefulness and self-confidence of Orson Welles but absolutely no talent whatsoever...what would he be like?
Rated 18 Feb 2012
82
90th
Burton does Wood the honor of actually taking him seriously, at least more so than anyone seems to have before. The story i heartwaming, and though the characters may be laughable - the movie itself never laughs at them.
Rated 01 Mar 2012
100
98th
One of my personal favorites! A great historical fiction film with great acting, cinematography and an amazing script.
Rated 11 May 2012
80
46th
Not a huge fan, I'll admit, but Martin Landau's performance pushes it towards brilliance, and it's good enough to make me curious about these disasters that Wood made.
Rated 04 Jul 2012
90
94th
My favorite biopic and one of the last times Tim Burton and Johnny Depp benefited from working together. It's harder to find a weirder dude than Ed Wood and I thought the movie did a great job of illustrating his life and passion for movies without making him a complete joke. I definitely finished this movie respecting his passion.
Rated 09 Sep 2012
70
50th
Ed Wood, quite simply, is a tender, trusting film about this guy, lit up equally by director Tim Burton's sense that passion is more than talent and by Johnny Depp's fabulous, wide-eyed absence of self-awareness in the central role. Treating Wood on his own terms - and making this in some ways like a Wood picture - is the challenge. That said, apart from the overall control of Burton, a huge debt is owed to the rare black-and-white photography by Stefan Cazpsky.
Rated 01 Jan 2013
88
89th
Most likely the source of the horse comparisons involving SJP, actors will say anything, as Ed happily found out. Burton gets to play with the themes his subject conjures, awful sets, acting as blown out as the score, and the thick slabs of 50's sci-fi/horror cinematography. The cherry on top is the group of misfit, morphine slamming, future predicting, gender bending, back-lot tragics Ed held as personal friends. Everyone watch Glen or Glenda.
Rated 13 Jan 2013
95
82nd
A witty and captivating tribute to an oddball, who was, though many people would disagree, a genius by an oddball that many people would agree is a genius. What I adore about this movie is the fact that there is obviously so much affection for Mr Wood evident in it. It's a joy.
Rated 25 Nov 2013
80
89th
Great performances all around, but these are the same guys who wrote Man on the Moon and their blatant disregard for fact is kind of upsetting.
Rated 11 Feb 2014
90
93rd
Burton directs one of the finest biopics ever made, brimming with hilarious dialogue, bizarre characters, touching dramatic moments and a deliberate emphasis on Wood's indomitable passion for filmmaking, meaning his career is handled with respect despite the focus on his spectacular ineptitude. Depp is fantastic as the oddball director, and Landau's portrayal of Lugosi may well be the best performance of the decade.
Rated 14 Mar 2014
80
80th
Frustrating in how almost perfect it is as a biopic about the infamous director's life, Ed Wood's script is overly hammy and comic, running risk of losing the very real heart that the film itself claims the man should be admired for. Still, fantastic casting and a chipper spirit help to elevate one of film history's most interesting icons and his story.
Rated 11 Aug 2014
99
96th
Whether or not the movie is totally accurate as a biopic doesn't matter. It's about more than just an account of Ed Wood's life. It's about a passionate young storyteller breaks down doors, bares his soul, deals with merciless criticism, estranges relationships and fights the system only to prove himself an infamous hack and laughing stock. He was eccentric, relentless, even a little delusional maybe, but he could've been anyone.
Rated 19 Nov 2014
10
97th
Tim Burton sacrifices some historical accuracy to present a very engaging and entertaining story about the struggles of infamous movie director Ed Wood. Johnny Depp is very good as the driven but inept Wood, but it is Martin Landau as the "well-past-his-prime" Bela Lugosi that is the true highlight of this movie. Wood's struggle is inspiring and engrossing as much as it is hilarious and pathetic, and as always in Burton films the presentation is phenomenal. My favorite Tim Burton film.
Rated 29 Dec 2014
88
99th
A wonderful, affectionate and loving tribute to a z grade legend, Ed Wood is easily Burton's best film, hinting at a more mature and sophisticated stylistic turn that unfortunately never emerged. It works on a number of levels: 1)as an offbeat dramatic comedy; 2)as an evocative recreation of time's past; and 3)as a joyous celebration of celluloid's dreamy possibilities. The relationship between Wood and Legosi, brilliantly portrayed by Depp and Landau respectively, is also genuinely touching.
Rated 11 Feb 2015
96
98th
A triumph of filmmaking, it's amazing the lengths Tim Burton went to to recreate the legend of Ed Wood. He was the perfect man to helm a biopic about the famous worst director. Funny, but never in a mean sense - Wood's magical, innocent idealism always shines through and is at the core of the film throughout. This is truly great stuff. A great performance by Johnny Depp, yes, but Martin Landau is the real standout.
Rated 20 Oct 2015
90
43rd
I liked Johnny's performance
Rated 05 Mar 2018
95
83rd
This is really a black sheep in the Burton's filmography. Highly recommended. Especially to those who don't like Tim Burton.
Rated 20 Aug 2018
78
80th
Nowadays it's easy to forget why Johnny Depp is of any relevance. But movies like this show that he used to be a terrific actor. The supporting cast, mostly Martin Landau as Bela Lugosi, are great as well. With charme and style the film portrays a man that just wanted to make movies. And nothing could stop him. Just like Johnny Depp back in the day. I miss good Johnny Depp.
Rated 22 Jan 2020
60
27th
Edward D. Wood, Jr.: "This is the one. 'This' is the one I'll be remembered for."
Rated 07 Oct 2020
82
70th
Greetings, my friend. We are all interested in the future, for that is where you and I are going to spend the rest of our lives. And remember, my friend, future events such as these will affect you in the future.
Rated 18 May 2021
6
86th
the last good movie burton ever made
Rated 26 May 2021
66
39th
Perhaps I expected too much.
Rated 24 Jul 2021
60
51st
Not great but at least it was odd and fun.
Rated 05 Dec 2006
99
91st
Love this movie! So many great moments in this movie. I knew Martin Landau would get an Oscar. Uncanny huh?
Rated 26 Dec 2006
75
50th
A great performance from Depp boosts a very funny film... that falters at the end. I can't fault Burton for sticking to reality (?) for the ending and not resorting to an overblown climax, but it's an abrupt end that will leave a bad taste in your mouth after 90 minutes of pure enjoyment.
Rated 06 Feb 2007
89
75th
Ed Wood is a unique little picture. Burton's direction is restrained and perfect; and where there's Burton, there's Depp, who carries a cheery and optimistic love of filmmaking. It's one of his best performances, but perhaps Landau is even better as Bela Lugosi. There's too much to love here, quite simply.
Rated 22 Feb 2007
75
89th
Amusing and as usual Mr Depp is amazing.
Rated 03 Apr 2007
90
90th
Hilarious, touching, straight out weird.
Rated 09 Apr 2007
72
55th
Surprisingly entertaining!
Rated 21 May 2007
87
81st
Burton's best, still after all these years
Rated 28 May 2007
80
63rd
Landau's big comeback.
Rated 04 Jun 2007
87
75th
a wonderful movie
Rated 20 Jun 2007
90
95th
Hysterically funny, great performances all round, though Martin Landau is a standout as Bela Lugosi, and almost a documentary. I even learnt something!!! Too Good Toe knee :-)
Rated 22 Jun 2007
76
67th
I'd love to give it a higher score but once Bela Lugosi dies the movie suffers greatly for it.
Rated 03 Aug 2007
96
99th
Tim Burton's best film by a staggeringly huge margin.
Rated 05 Aug 2007
100
85th
The best film released in 1994, bar none. Two brilliant performances on the parts of Depp and Landau coupled with an award-winning script makes for the most ridiculously sublime film you can see this evening. Don't miss it.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
91
89th
Meu festival Sid Haig começa logo mais à noite, enquanto isso assistimos o, talvez, melhor filme de Tim Burton que está completando 25 anos de lançamento no New York Film Festival. E ainda não sei qual meu Burton favorito, se Ed Wood ou Edward Mãos de Tesoura, ambos uma ode ao cinema, ambos extremamente pessoais para o diretor por conta da amizade com Vincent Price em seus últimos anos de vida, aqui recriada nas personas de Wood e Lugosi. BlurayRip RARBG.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
40
9th
Ummmm, what is this? I like Depp and all, but it just didn't click for me. Confusing and questionable beyond relief.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
89th
Great performances all around, matched with Tim Burton's distinctive aesthetic (especially sharp at this point in his career, before many of his more mainstream films).
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
34th
Tim Burton at his best. Johnny Depp is hysterical and touching at the same time. Martin Landau is amazing as Bela Lugosi.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
87
68th
...make it look like it's killing you...
Rated 14 Aug 2007
74
2nd
Johnny Depp does his best with the role and Martin Landau is fantastic as Bela Lugosi, he practically steals the film from anyone else. This film by director Tim Burton is a small sliver of Ed Wood's legacy, but well cast and gives a bit of an insight into the mind of this most infamous of directors.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
62
55th
As good as any movie involving Johnny Depp, Bill Murray, Sarah Jessica Parker and Tim Burton can get. Unless they were all in Beetlejuice.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
87
73rd
A very different Burton, "Ed Wood" is a tongue-in-cheek glorification of an oft-ridiculed man. I love the echoes of actual Ed Wood's style; if you've seen the infamous "Plan 9", this film also becomes absolutely hilarious ("I could make an entire movie using stock footage!"). You can't help but admire Ed Wood after watching this, really. Yes, he made terrible films, but he believed in them. And that, according to Burton, is enough. To some extent, I agree.

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