RetroReview: Beetlejuice

Everything old is new again, or so it seems. In Retro Review, our resident film buffs take a dive into a movie classic -- and tell us why it worked then, and whether it still works now. In light of its long-awaited sequel, Anna Solome takes on the grungy, kooky Beetlejuice, by Tim Burton.

The Movie

Beetlejuice (1988) is Tim Burton’s sophomore feature film exploring the land of the living and the dead. The spooky film has earned critical acclaim over the years becoming a cult classic. A sequel, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, was released this year, 35 years after the original.

Who’s in it?

Michael Keaton stars as the titular character Beetlejuice with new spirits Alec Baldwin as Adam Maitland and Geena Davis as Barbara Maitland. Jeffrey Jones and Catherine O’Hara feature as the Deetz family alongside their daughter Lydia played by Winona Ryder.

Do I know them?

Michael Keaton has established himself as a versatile actor staring in action films such as Batman (1989) and Spiderman Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) to the dramatic Birdman (2015).

Alec Baldwin is best known for his comedy roles including Adam in Beetlejuice (1988), Jack

Donaghy in the TV show 30 Rock (2006) and his many appearances on SNL.

Gene Davis is most recognisable as leading lady Thelma from the 1991 classic Thelma and

Louise and for staring in The Accidental Tourist (1988).

Jeffrey Jones features in Ferris Buellers Day Off (1986), Beetlejuice (1988) and Deadwood (2004-2006). He has not spent much time in the public eye since his offenses in the early 2000s.

Catherine O’Hara was a well-established actor before Beetlejuice, starring in Second City Television (1976–1984). She is now best known for her role as the excentric Moira Rose in Schitts Creek (2015-2020).

Wynona Ryder’s breakout role was Beetlejuice, only 15 at the time. She proceeded to be in classics Heathers (1989), Edward Scissorhands (1990), and Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992).

Notably, most of these actors have gone on to appear in multiple Tim Burton films across their careers.

What Made it Work

Beetlejuice follows recently deceased Barbara and Adam, a married couple learning how to navigate their new lives as spirits trapped in their home. Before long, the family moving into their charming house are transforming it to be unrecognisable, voiding it of all the character they built. Despite Barbra and Adam trying to take things into their own hands, attempting to haunt the family and failing, they turn to “Betelgeuse the Bio-Exorcist.”

Beetlejuice was released during the height of 80s horror movies standing apart as a horror comedy. The comedy element is carried by Michael Keaton as he makes over-the-top remarks and crude gestures in his outlandish costume. Wynona Ryder’s performance is also a standout with Lydia feeling isolated to the world around her; throughout the film, she slowly grows to enjoy life’s experiences as she sees what is in store for her in the afterlife. One of my favourite lines from Lydia that encapsulates the film is: “Live people ignore the strange and unusual. I, myself, am strange and unusual.”

The film features imagery that is now synonymous with Tim Burton making it memorable both then and now. This was created through a combination of special effects such as stop motion, prosthetic makeup, blue screen and puppetry. The makeup throughout the film transforms the actors to being unrecognisable, sometimes being the ‘scariest’ part of the movie. Additionally the film has an encapsulating score from Danny Elfman that is whimsical yet still spooky.

Beetlejuice’s unique nature allowed it to be a success both commercially and critically earning it earning over $74M.

Does it Work Now

Elements of the film have aged well whilst others, poorly. The usage of blue screen can sometimes feel cringe but that can be expected for a film of its time. Most of the production techniques have continued to be used throughout Burton’s other films, specifically stop motion across The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) and Frankenweenie (2012). The gothic aesthetic of the film is undeniably recognisable becoming iconic. Watching Beetlejuice for the first time in 2024, you realise how different humour is now; a majority of the jokes have aged poorly from inappropriate sexual innuendos to jokes about self harm. Some of them are more obvious with others flying right over your head if you’re not thinking. There is also almost a teen marriage towards the end of the film, which was creepy then and undeniably dated now.

Should I See it?

If you like Tim Burton films and quirky comedies you need to give Beetlejuice a watch. It’s definitely a dated film, so set your expectations accordingly. After all these years of hearing about it, I was glad to finally know what all the hype was about. Maybe it’s a film I need to watch a few times to fully appreciate.

7/10