Michael Keaton reflects onDumboseveral years later. A remake of the classic Disney animated film of the same name,Dumbois aDisney live-action remakedirected by Tim Burton. Released in 2019, thefilm combines live-action and CGIby introducing human characters around a computer-animated version of the big-eared elephant who uses them to fly. Keaton played V. A. Vandevere in a cast that included Colin Farrell, Eva Green, Danny DeVito, Alan Arkin, and Nico Parker.
PerEntertainment Weekly, Keaton expresses his feelings about his work onDumbo. The actor mentioned thathe thinks he “sucked in Dumbo.“This was a contrast from Keaton’s usual experience, as he “love[s] working with Tim [Burton] so much.” Despite Keaton’s harsh opinion of himself inDumbo, Burton maintained that he “doesn’t even know what [he’s] talking about” and did not agree that Keaton was “clueless” onDumbo, or any similar negative opinion. Check out the full quote from Keaton below:
I love working with Tim so much, but I don’t think we ever really analyzed why we work pretty well together; we just do. I think I let him down on one movie, but that’s just me, and it bugs me to this day. I was clueless onDumbo. I sucked inDumbo.
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While Burton may not echo Keaton’s statement that he “sucked in Dumbo,” theactor’s performance was criticized in reviewsat the time. A particularly brutal review from Linda and Al Lerner states that “Keaton’s performance is almost as bad as his plastered silver hairdo.” Thereviews ofDumbowere not positive overall, as a Tomatometer came out to a rotten 46% among the nearly 400 reviews. Audiences did not like the film that much better than critics, as the audience Popcornmeter score putDumboat a 48% approval. The commercial product for Disney unfortunately did not mesh with Burton’s unique style.
Works likeCharlie and the Chocolate Factory, which is also a remake, have been among the director’s better-received works, receiving an 83% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Dumboisone of Burton’s lowest-rated films of all time. In fact,Dumbo’s 46% score situates the film as Burton’s third-lowest rated film of all time, situated above onlyPlanet of the ApesandDark Shadows. Right aboveDumboin the score isAlice in Wonderland, another live-action remake of a Disney classic. The combination of these four poorly-reviewed Burton films creates a notable pattern: all four ofBurton’s lowest-rated works are remakes of previous films.
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This pattern is a curious one when it comes to the director’s work as a whole. WhileDumboandother Burton remakes have received low ratings, works likeCharlie and the Chocolate Factory, which is also a remake, have been among the director’s better-received works, receiving an 83% on Rotten Tomatoes. Adaptations likeWednesday, which reimagines the classic tale of the Addams' family through the lens of Morticia and Gomez’s dour daughter, have also received positive reviews. Burton may be capable of making a great adaptation, butDumbowas certainly a disappointment to viewers and cast members alike.
Dumbo
Cast
Dumbo, directed by Tim Burton, is a live-action adaptation of Disney’s classic 1941 animated film. The story centers on a young elephant with oversized ears that enable him to fly, captivating audiences and saving a struggling circus. Starring Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, and Eva Green, the film delves into themes of family and personal growth while showcasing Burton’s signature visual style.
