Talkback: So, How About That Dark Shadows Trailer?

The first trailer for Tim Burton's Dark Shadows was unveiled today, revealing what Burton really has up his sleeve for his adaptation of the cult soap opera. Namely: Gothic guffaws! 1970s humor! Johnny Depp playing vampire Barnabas Collins with that unmistakable Johnny Depp quirk! Seriously, is every Depp role for the rest of time going to feel like some variation on his Hunter Thompson? Anyway: Check out the trailer and unleash your thoughts.

Head to Apple to watch the trailer in hi-res.

I'm sure hardcore Dark Shadows fans will have the most to pick over here, seeing as Burton's take isn't quite exactly a straight translation of the '60s-era melodrama to the big screen. And yet the tone feels so very Burtonesque, the sets and cinematography are lush and vintage, and despite the soundtrack of disco cliches it's starting to grow on me. Plus, how can anyone resist sardonic teenager Chloe Moretz?

Dark Shadows is in theaters May 11 and also features Eva Green, Helena Bonham Carter, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jonny Lee Miller, Jackie Earle Haley, Bella Heathcote, Gulliver McGrath, Christopher Lee, and Alice Cooper as himself, because of course.

[via Apple]



Comments

  • dishon says:

    budlat....

  • Sue Xian says:

    Total CHEESE.

  • dukeroberts says:

    I'm growing weary of Johnny Depp. With this and the Lone Ranger movie, I think my weariness will reach critical mass. I was intrigued by the idea of this movie, but the trailer makes me less enthusiastic, despite Eva Green and her breasts.

  • AS says:

    My mother is a huge fan of the series (don't ask me why) and after viewing the trailer she is disgusted, DISGUSTED I tell you! Personally I could care less about this movie. But god, that Moretz girl needs to hurry up and turn 18 cause she looks way too cute to be underaged (says the perv inside of me).

    P.S. No Hunter Thompson in his performance as John Dillinger.

    • Mary hogan says:

      I am appalled by what Burton and Depp have done to this iconic piece of tv history! I had faith in Depp since he has claimed for years to be a big fan of the show and Barnabas. I have been looking forward to this movie for years now and after seeing the trailer, not only will I not go, I may just stay outside the theater and protest this mockery. Shame on Johnny!!!!

  • Tarc says:

    OK, absolute abject disappointment. Not going to see this - ever.

  • kirads09 says:

    I think it would be ok if I could just enjoy at it for what it is and not really relate it to the original series. (Too much 70's kitsch!) If one really wants to experience Dark Shadows though, rent the series and subsequent movies.

  • JEN! Is that an EGGO waffle on Barnabas' plate? Joe
    Flaherty, where are you when we need you???
    Kris

  • I do NOT understand all the hate this trailer is receiving. The original 'Dark Shadows' was a CAMPY soap opera, and this is simply taking it to the next level. Can you imagine what this would be if taken TOO seriously? This looks FUN! This looks like Tim Burton returning to the kind of fun he had while making Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands. And what is wrong with that?

    I say bring it on. It looks like a very good time at the movies.

    • wade says:

      The original "was a CAMPY soap opera"? Uh, NO, it WASN'T. People are making comments on the web, saying the original was campy; these people have obviously never seen even 30 seconds of the original, OR the 80s version. Dark Shadows was a SERIOUS MELODRAMA. NOT CAMPY. The trailer for this movie reveals something akin to taking Shindler's List and
      turning it into Ernest Goes to Camp.

  • Yashar says:

    Ok, I'm not familiar with the source TV series at all but that trailer was not that bad. It was as campy as I was expecting it BUT it has Eva Green who seems to be in a scenery chewing contest with Depp. That's automatic awesome.

    The only bad things IMO were Depp who plays the character a bit too familiar and the music. For a gothic film, the trailer didn't need that kind of music, even as a comedy. With a cast that includes Eva Green, Helena Bonham Carter, Michelle Pfeiffer, Chloe Moretz and Jackie Earle Haley, this can be a really fun Burton film (Unless the impressive cast results in another Alice in Boredom land in which case... move along).

  • Megan says:

    I laughed a few times, but at the end of the day, this just looks like more Tim Burton/Depp fromage. Personally, I've been tired of it for awhile now. What Johnny needs to do is take on a more "serious" role and make it interesting. His Dillinger, his JM Barrie, and his Duke of Rochester were all pretty damn boring, but if he can take a straight role and really bust out the same energy he gives to these quirky roles, I might take interest in him again.

  • Jim says:

    Hopefully this bombs at the box office and drives a stake through the heart of the Depp-Burton Bromance. They just make films to amuse themselves. They don't give a damn about their audience.

  • MaryAnn says:

    Well, after seeing the trailer, this movie has gone from "can't miss" to "will most DEFINITELY miss".

    I love Johnny Depp, and I liked the original "Dark Shadows." But I'm sorry. It just doesn't work for me as a comedy.

  • ginny says:

    I like the trailer!! And I am looking forward to the movie. I loved Dark Shadows as a kid and never missed the show. I think the humor is a refreshing take on the original story. Never hurts to laugh a little!! I don't think the humor disgraces the old show at all. For me it just helps me to smile upon one of my most favorite childhood memories. Come May 11, I am there!!

  • Shea says:

    I was so looking forward to this movie. I certainly didn't think they'd make a joke out of the series. I too watched the original, and yes it was campy, but it was also serious. What a huge disappointment this new film is going to be. Won't be going to see this 'spoof' on a series I truly enjoyed.

  • Cheers concerning the post and that i will end up being to read much more!