Michael Keatonand Tim Burton have collaborated on several projects throughout their careers, andBeetlejuice Beetlejuiceis set to be a long-anticipated return to form for the filmmaking duo. The pair first started working together on the originalBeetlejuiceback in 1988, which wasonly Burton’s second feature-length film. From there, they’ve collaborated a number of times on great projects such asBatman,Batman Returns, and, most recently,Dumbo. Like most audiences, I’ve always thought that Keaton has provided some of thebest performances in Tim Burton’s movies, but the actor isn’t always proud of his work.
Although it’s hard to deny that Keaton was an excellent Batman, and his work onBeetlejuiceis still my favorite today, there’s one project that Keaton would rather forget in his list of collaborations with Tim Burton. The actor is famously unhappy with his work onDumbo,where he played V.A. Vandevere,the greedy amusement park ownerwho exploits the titular elephant for his magical powers. Like many ofMichael Keaton’s best projects,Dumbooffered him an over-the-top, comically villainous role that fit perfectly into his repertoire - but he wasn’t happy with the final product.
Michael Keaton’s 10 Best Quotes From Beetlejuice
Michael Keaton established the iconic character of Beetlejuice in Tim Burton’s 1988 film. He’s also become one of Burton’s most quotable characters.
Michael Keaton Regrets His Performance In Tim Burton’s Dumbo
He Called His Work “Clueless”
In an interview withVariety, Keaton revealed that when he looks back on his work inDumbo, he isn’t proud of the performance that he provided. The actor even went as far as to claim that he “sucked” in the movie, stating that he was “clueless” and didn’t understand why people enjoyed the film.Tim Burton also reflected onDumbo’s receptionfairly negatively, acknowledging thatit ranks among the worst creative decisions he’s made.
But whileDumbocertainly isn’t Burton’s best film, I can’t imagine watching it and thinking that Keaton is to blame - his performance is fun, exaggerated, and character-driven, just like all memorable Disney villains. It’sa memorable performance that isn’t as fine-tunedas something likeBeetlejuiceorBatman, but it certainly isn’t the worst part of the film. Perhaps the most upsetting part of Keaton’s candid interview is his claim that he “let [Burton] down” with his performance - which is why the existence ofBeetlejuice Beetlejuiceis such a relief.
The Beetlejuice Sequel Is A Chance To Rewrite Their Story
Thankfully, the pair didn’t end their collaborative career withDumbo, a film that they’re both clearly unhappy with. Instead, Burton and Keaton have been able to return to their roots withBeetlejuice Beetlejuice, a sequel to the film that brought them together in the first place. I’m glad thatDumbodidn’t split the pair up, although it would’ve been easy to give up after thehugely mixed critical responseto the film - but instead, it seems they’re coming back stronger than ever with something they both care about.
Beetlejuice is clearly a character that Keaton is familiar with, so it makes sense that he feels more comfortable going back to that after a role that he considers such a misfire.
Tim Burton is clearly enthusiastic aboutBeetlejuiceand its upcoming sequel, which is a hugely positive sign in the fallout ofDumbo. Hopefully, the pair will continue to work together long into the future, as their collaborations have ranked among the best projects in both of their individual filmographies - as long as they’re proud of the work they’re putting out. Beetlejuice is clearlya character that Keaton is familiar with, so it makes sense that he feels more comfortable going back to that after a role that he considers such a misfire.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Sounds Like A More Inspired Movie Than Dumbo
The reason that both Burton and Keaton are more comfortable withBeetlejuice BeetlejuicethanDumbois probably because of their personal connections to the film - it was the project that first brought them together, and it’s one of the movies that they’re both remembered for all these decades later. Plus, it’s much more original thanDumbo- yes, it’s a sequel to a movie from the ‘80s, but it’sa property that was born from Burton’s own mindand contributed strongly to his success as a filmmaker: of course, he’d want to go back.
Thankfully, Keaton seems to be much happier withBeetlejuice Beetlejuicethan he was withDumbo. Not only does he claim thatBeetlejuice Beetlejuicehas a stronger storythan the previous film, but he’s also been very active in the press and marketing for the film, using his friendship with Tim Burton to prove how important this movie is for both of them. It’s such a relief that both Keaton and Burton have found a project that they’re proud of after the disappointment that wasDumbo, and this will hopefully spur them to keep working together into the future.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Cast
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is the sequel to the original Tim Burton classic that starred Michael Keaton and Wynona Rider in a horror-comedy that involved ghosts trying to scare off new homebuyers from taking their house. The sequel brings back Michael Keaton as the hilarious and sleazy ghost with selfish intentions, now joined by Jenna Ortega in a new role.
