Ed Wood tells the story of Edward D. Wood, Jr. (played marvelously by Johnny Depp). The real Ed Wood was bestowed the ignominious title of "Worst Director of All Time" well after his death. Burton's film is not so much a biography as it is an entertaining comedy. This movie is very funny, not from hilarious jokes or slap-stick humor, but more from what I would call "situational awkwardness" which Burton is so masterful at creating. It is shot completely in black and white, which is quite appropriate given that Woods' films were done the same way.

Depp portrays Wood as a naive and eternally optimistic man in search of his dreams, despite the obstacles and setbacks. It is his optimism that is contagious to those around him, and as such it is easy to like his character, despite his peculiarities. It turns out that Ed Wood is a transvestite who even wore a bra and panties under his uniform while serving in the Marines. You can imagine the humor there, but it is even more funny with how matter of fact he is about it...as if it is no different from any other hobby one might have. In any case, it helps him to land his first job as he explains to a movie producer that he is "more qualified than anyone out there" to direct an upcoming movie about the first sex change operation. His girlfriend (Sarah Jessica Parker) isn't too happy about it though. She plays along, both figuratively and literally as an actress in his first film, Glen or Glenda. However, when she finds herself being squeezed out of the spotlight in later films, her patience for his affinity for her clothing eventually wears out.

Wood's biggest break comes with his chance encounter with Bela Lugosi (played by Martin Landau who won an Oscar for his performance). Lugosi is world-renown for his performances as Dracula and other monsters from years ago. Now, however, he is all but forgotten in Hollywood, who considers him "washed up." Wood is absolutely star-struck, and when he is able to give Lugosi a ride home, there begins a long-lasting friendship. Lugosi goes on to star in Woods' upcoming movies and Wood returns the favor by rushing to his aid, often in the middle of the night, as he battles his drug addictions. Lugosi's character is about as deep and intricate as you can get from a movie, and Landau's performance (aided too by Rick Baker's make-up design) truly is outstanding.

My favorite scenes involve that "situational awkwardness" that I was telling you about. Here are some examples. First there is the point at which Ed Wood decides to tell a girl with whom he is having a first date about his cross-dressing. Making it even more funny is the matter-of-fact manner in which it is played out. There is another scene where Bela Lugosi is in the hospital and the doctor has just told Wood that Lugosi has to leave because he can't pay his bills. Wood wakes up Lugosi to tell him the "good news" that the doctor says that he is all better and can go home! Finally, there is the moment when an exasperated Wood draws back to what makes him comfortable (women's clothing) and visits a nearby bar. While he is there, he spots is long-time idol, Orson Welles. As he walks up to him, he removes his wig in an effort to make himself more presentable...as if having fake breasts and wearing high heels are perfectly normal. What is even more funny about the scene is that Wells convinces him to follow his dreams and to do things his way, even though in Woods' case that means to keep on making bad movies and ignoring the advice of others.

This movie is about a man who is considered to be the biggest failure in his industry. However, the film so endears us to him and to his dreams that you just can't help feeling that he triumphed. It is quirky, and odd, but very funny and very well done which is what we've come to expect from Tim Burton. My only complaints would be that it wasn't more educational about the actual life of Ed Wood and that it didn't show us or at least highlight more of his movies. But then again, one could argue that Ed Wood only intends to whet our appetite and that it is up to us to research further or to find and watch those old B-movies.

Rent it or buy it today. The Special Edition has a lot of features such as deleted scenes, featurettes, commentaries, and more.