Space and Spectatorship in the Films of Tim Burton

Abstract

The study of Tim Burton?s films is underscored by the enduring cultural currency of his works as intriguing and well-received film art. This thesis has capitalized on existing Burton studies that explore the popularity of his thematic and cinematographic tropes, forging a critical exploration of `Burtonesque? aesthetics, spectatorship and the use of space. By evidencing the relationships that exist between film, spectatorship and aesthetics through the use of filmic spaces and the filmic medium as space, this thesis argues for a reflexive spectatorship that is framed and championed by Burton?s aesthetics. Using a combination of theoretical frameworks and in-depth textual analysis, this thesis explores the use of space(s) of the filmic medium, within the cinematic medium and within the space of cinematic reception to elucidate an understanding of reflexive Burtonesque spectatorship that aims to challenge culturally dominant meanings and ideas of reality in and through Burton?s film.