Tim Burton Celebrates Harsh Critics Who Slammed His Debut Film

Today, Tim Burton stands as one of Hollywood's most recognizable filmmakers, known for his distinctive dark aesthetic mixed with quirky characters and elaborate visual designs that have captivated audiences worldwide. With over 20 movies under his belt and career earnings exceeding $4 billion, Burton has certainly proven his worth in the industry. However, like every successful director, he had to begin his journey somewhere.

An Unexpected Starting Point

Burton enthusiasts might be surprised to learn that his 1985 directorial debut, Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, bears little resemblance to his later signature works. At just 26 years old, Burton took on the challenge of bringing Paul Reubens' beloved character Pee-Wee Herman to the big screen. The story centers around the bow-tie-wearing, childlike protagonist's quest to recover his stolen bike – a premise that seems worlds away from Burton's typical gothic sensibilities.

According to Mark Salisbury's book Burton on Burton, the director has complicated feelings about this early project. While it launched his entire career, he felt it created a less-than-stellar first impression in the industry.

Facing the Critics

Burton vividly remembers the harsh reception his debut received from reviewers. "The reviews on Pee-Wee's Big Adventure were really bad," he shared. "I remember one review, and I'll never forget this, which said, 'Everything is great, the costumes are brilliant, the photography is great, the script is fabulous, the actors are all great, the only thing that's terrible is the direction'. One said, 'On a scale of one to ten, ten being best, Pee-Wee's Big Adventure gets a minus one'. It's the first minus one I remember seeing."

Surprisingly, the actual reception wasn't as universally negative as Burton recalls. While some major critics like Gene Siskel weren't fans, many others appreciated the film's playful humor and Burton's skill in translating Reubens' character to cinema. The movie also performed well financially, earning over $40 million against its modest $7 million budget and eventually gaining cult status.

Finding Value in Negative Feedback

Rather than being discouraged by harsh criticism, Burton actually found value in the experience. "I've known people who've gone through that first film thing when they get 'They're the next Orson Welles', and that can kill you," he explained. "I'm glad I didn't get that. I much prefer the kind of raking over the coals I got because it's a mistake to believe any of it."

This perspective proved wise, as many directors who receive overwhelming praise early on struggle to maintain that momentum throughout their careers. Burton's approach of weathering initial criticism and gradually building his reputation served him well. Just three years after Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, he released Beetlejuice, which many consider his true breakthrough moment and the film that established his unique directorial voice.