Just like the 1950s, 3D is all the rage in Hollywood right now. Films are all choosing to shoot in 3D, and are benefiting from the price bump of the more advanced viewing experience. Recently, director Tim Burton announced to The Wrap that he would not be shooting his newest film, Dark Shadows in 3D.
Dark Shadows is based the popular Gothic soap opera from the 1960s, which was ground breaking for the genre with its incorporation of supernatural characters. The film features an all-star cast lead by Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Eva Green and Michelle Pfeiffer as well as burgeoning newcomer Chloe Moretz.
Burton is no stranger to 3D, he shot the ultra successful Alice in Wonderland to capitalize on the still fairly new medium. According to Box Office Mojo, the film has grossed over 1 billion dollars in worldwide ticket sales, so it’s strange that he is deciding to opt out of 3D for Dark Shadows.
“I have no plans for [shooting Dark Shadows in 3D]. I loved doing “Alice” in 3D. “Freankeweenie,” gonna do that in 3D. There’s people like, “Everything’s gonna be in 3D,” or “I hate 3D!” I think people should have a choice. I don’t think it should be forced on anybody. I’m just starting, and it’s a weird tone and it’s a lot of actors and, you know, we’re not starting with the simple stuff; we’re sort of getting right in there.
You like to kind of sneak up on it a little bit, but this one we just kind of slammed right into it. [asked if it will have a sop opera quality] Yes, I don’t know. I’m early into it because it’s a funny tone, and that’s part of what the vibe of the show is, and there’s something about it that we want to get. But when you look at it, it’s pretty bad. I’m hoping that it will be — it’s early days, let’s put it — I’m very intrigued by the tone. It’s a real ethereal tone we’re trying to go for and I don’t know yet.”
It is a breath of fresh air that Burton is choosing to skip 3D for his upcoming take on Dark Shadows. The decision also remains true to the independence which he has established during his lengthy career in Hollywood. Tim Burton‘s films have always had a strong awareness of his vision as a director, preserving the artistic nature of the film over what is often the popular choice.
Dark Shadows is due to be released May 12, 2012.