EXISTENCE IN THE FRAGMENTED REALITY: EXPRESSIONISM IN THE ANIMATED FILMS OF TIM BURTON

This study is qualitative in nature and employs content analysis. The study used a formalistic approach in identifying the expressionistic elements in the animated films of Timothy William Burton (also known as Tim Burton) namely as Nightmare Before Christmas (1993). Corpse Bride (2006). and Frankenweenie (2012). The result showed that Tim Burton films utilize expressionistic elements. The plot portrayed an appeal that reveals the subjectivity of the characters. The happenings in the narrative are highly emotional and several unrealistic scenarios highlight the firm's dark appeal. Conflicts are often resolved and are related to inner and social struggle that helped shape the development of the character Setting are often unconventional that presented a dream-like illusory world. They are frequently composed of two dimensions: one world of normality and the other a world of fantasy. It is either set in a magical realm or a sub-urban neighborhood. Characters are anti-heroic figures that deal with a confining state. The narrative is driven by them wanting to achieve an unattainable desire. The themes have the touch of isolation, death, life and strange forms of love that philosophize about human existence. Thus, Tim Burton's films are expressionist themselves that portray the dark truth and the agonizing reality of the different concepts of the world. With the fragmented plot and distorted images on the screen, the films are presented as macabre but with wit.