Tim Burton Retrospective in Toronto: Press Release

The TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto will be the third of four locations to host the massive Tim Burton retrospective, which was first on display at the MoMA and then in the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in Melbourne.

The exhibition will run at TIFF from November 26th, 2010 until April 17th, 2011, when the retrospective will move to the LACMA in Los Angeles. Tickets go on sale October 26th.

Here is the official press release, which describes the vast array of artifacts and artworks which will be on display, as well as the films of Tim Burton and films that have inspired him. For more information, visit the official website of the TIFF Bell Lightbox. Here's a general overview:

Film Programmes
The film retrospective presents Burton’s cinematic oeuvre, from Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985) to Alice in Wonderland (2010). Audiences will have at least two opportunities to see each of the films, and one of the screenings will be double-billed with a film that has influenced, inspired and intrigued Burton as a filmmaker.

Burton Blitz
To celebrate the opening of Tim Burton, Burton’s films will screen back-to-back on the weekend of November 26 to 28 in the ultimate endurance test of unadulterated Burton love. From Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (1985) to Alice in Wonderland (2010), follow the evolution of one of the most creative visionaries of modern movies in a single marathon event.

Exclusive Engagements
Starting November 25, 2010, an exclusive engagement of Burton’s defining film, Edward Scissorhands (1990) will be presented, followed by a holiday engagement of The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993). Exclusive engagements will run for at least one week.

Double Bills
Burton’s 14 feature films as director plus two as producer will have a double bill screening with a film that has influenced, inspired and intrigued him as a filmmaker. All films are directed by Tim Burton unless otherwise noted.

* Alice in Wonderland (2010) followed by Desperate Living (John Waters, 1977)
* The Man Who Laughs (Paul Leni,1928) followed by Batman (1989)
* 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (Richard Fleischer, 1954) followed by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
* Ed Wood (1994) followed by Bride of the Monster (Edward D. Wood Jr., 1955)
* Marty (Delbert Mann, 1955) followed by Edward Scissorhands (1990)
* Gojira (Ishiro Honda, 1954) followed by Mars Attacks! (1996)
* Nosferatu (F.W. Murnau, 1922) followed by The Nightmare Before Christmas (Henry Selick, 1993)
* First Men in the Moon (Nathan Juran, 1964) followed by Planet of the Apes (2001)
* Horror of Dracula (Terence Fisher, 1958) followed by Sleepy Hollow (1999)
* Artists and Models (Frank Tashlin, 1955) followed by Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985)
* Jason and the Argonauts (Don Chaffey, 1963) followed by James and the Giant Peach (Henry Selick, 1996)
* Repulsion (Roman Polanski, 1965) followed by Batman Returns (1992)
* Theatre of Blood (Douglas Hickox,1973) followed by Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
* The Lost World (Harry O. Hoyt, 1925) followed by Corpse Bride (with Mike Johnson, 2005)
* The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (Joseph L. Mankiewicz, 1947) followed by Big Fish (2003)
* 8 1/2 (Federico Fellini, 1963) followed by Beetlejuice (1988)

Weekend Family Activities
Celebrating the imaginative and creative works of Tim Burton, TIFF will host a wide variety of Burton-themed drop-in and registered workshops. Starting November 27, every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm, parents and children can drop by to participate in the following free activities. Age recommendation: 8 and up

Crafty Characters – Create your own Burton-inspired creatures and characters from quirky parts, pieces and craft supplies.
Animation Station – Design and bring to life a favourite toy or creature through the magic of stop-motion animation.
Be in the Scene – Through the wonder of green screen technology, immerse yourself in the stunning sets of Tim Burton’s films.

Registered Workshops – Age recommendation: 12 and up

December 4 and 5
Tall Tales – Work with a professional screenwriter to develop your simple script idea into a magical masterpiece.

December 11 and 12
Micro Set Construction – Learn to build small sets (stop-motion appropriate) in the style of Tim Burton.

December 26 to 30
3 Days to Make a Movie (Live Action) and 3 Days to Make a Movie (Stop Motion) – Participants will work as a team to script, storyboard, set design, prop design, costume/craft, edit and screen a short film in 3 days of fun, fantastical filmmaking.

January 8 and 9
Quirks & Chords – Learn how to enchant a listener by exploring and emulating the musical stylings of Burton's longtime musical collaborator Danny Elfman.