The magic of symbols
Tim Burton, as we have previously seen, is a real author, almost a genius that combines different symbols and elements of the language of film to enhance character’s different feelings and emotions throughout all his movies. Butterflies, the use of color, and crows are just some of the main symbols in Corpse Bride that allow the spectator to feel really connected to what he or she is seeing. We are going to explain the meaning of these elements used by Burton on the movie and their importance on the movie.
1.Butterflies
They are symbols of nature, freedom, and good luck. They appear in the beginning and the end of the movie. When the movie begins, a butterfly is set free from its glass cage. An act that reflects a sort of unconscious release for Victor since he new beforehand he was destined to get married to an unknown girl, and his future therefore would be uncertain. In the end of the movie, lots of butterflies appear flying away which shows the good luck that Victoria and Victor finally had.
2. Crows
These birds are constantly repeated in the movie and because of its dark black color and enervating call are associated with the night and cemeteries. They are considered to be bad birds and a symbol of evil. Poets, authors and in this particular case, Tim Burton, often use them because they are seen as birds which represent death, danger, and darkness.
3.Use of constrative colors
There is a colorful contrast between the living and the death world. On the one hand, the living world is depicted with cold colors in which the predominant one is blue. On the other hand, the death world is very colorful in which warmer ones, such as light brown, yellow, and orange are more dominant. This issue reflects Tim Burton’s views toward the concept of death in which he wants to transmit and show a much more positive spiritual approach to life than the mere association of death with darkness and sadness
