As Tim Burton's fantasies become more and more mechanical, here's a reminder of what he can do when he's actually fired up about the subject matter. A loose biopic about a unique anti-talent, Burton's tribute to Ed Wood - - supposedly the worst director of all time - - refuses to guffaw behind a cupped palm. Instead, it's vivacious, affectionate and vividly lensed, with Johnny Depp nailing Woods' infantile zeal, and an Oscar-nabbing Martin Landau offering a caustic but stirring Bela Lugosi.
DVD Extras:
Apparently, Burton was so taken by the script that he shot from the first draft. Presumably his enthusiasm's waned since, because his commentary is a cut'n'paste job from gladmouthing press yakkage. Step in the writers, who fill the holes with sniggering asides. Elsewhere, we get shorts on the theremin (that "ooo-eee-ooo" instrument on the soundtrack), Landau on Lugosi and some on-set footage. Depp is notable by his absence, as is Ed Wood - - a fact barely disguised by a mystifying filler on cross-dressing. Needless to say, a disc that ignores its own captivating core is a major misfire.
