Dark Shadows (2012) Movie Review: A Look at Tim Burton’s Gothic Reimagining and Its Cast

Dark Shadows (2012): A Deep Dive into Burton's Gothic Soap Opera Reimagining

Tim Burton and Johnny Depp made Dark Shadows in 2012. They resurrected a quirky soap opera from the late 60s and early 70s. Was it a vampiric triumph or did it leave viewers cold? Let's explore Collinwood's dark realms.

Unearthing the Plot: From 1770s Maine to 1972 Mayhem

This film follows Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins. It's the 1770s. Barnabas rules Collinsport, Maine. He has charm, success, and likely a splendid waistcoat collection. But he breaks a witch's heart. The witch is Angelique Bouchard, played by Eva Green. She curses him, making him a vampire.

That's not enough for Angelique. She also buries Barnabas alive. Fast forward to 1972. Barnabas wakes up two centuries later. He discovers bell-bottoms and disco. It's a shocking change! He must adapt to a wildly different world, leading to comedy and gothic drama.

Setting the Scene: 1770s and 1972 Collide

The film cleverly contrasts two eras. We see prosperous Collinsport in the 1770s before Barnabas's transformation. Suddenly, it's 1972. This time jump enhances the comedic effects. It highlights Barnabas's shock as he encounters cars, television, and new social norms. It's a fresh twist on classic themes.

Filming in the Realm of Fog and History: England's Embrace

Despite being set in Maine, Dark Shadows was filmed entirely in England. Production began in May 2011 at Pinewood Studios. The crew used various locations to capture the essence of Collinsport. The result is a unique gothic atmosphere, thanks to British landscapes and studio techniques.

The Cast of Shadows: A Star-Studded Ensemble

Burton assembles top tier talent in Dark Shadows. It's like a gothic twist on Hollywood Squares with recognizable faces and impressive skills.

Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins: Vampire with a Vintage Vibe

Johnny Depp portrays Barnabas Collins. This casting feels inevitable, doesn't it? Depp shines as the vampire, showcasing a mix of charm and whimsy. For many fans, he embodies modern vampires, even if his portrayal lacks terror.

In this role, Depp captures Barnabas's blend of aristocratic grace and cultural confusion. Hilarity ensues as he adjusts to life in the 1970s. However, there's depth too; Depp explores Barnabas's underlying tragedy. He craves lost love while facing eternal life. He's no conventional brooding vampire.

Depp's portrayal holds significance due to the character's legacy in the original series. He might be the most recognized actor to wear Barnabas's fangs. Expectations were high given his history with Burton's vision. Did he meet them? Opinions may vary, but his unique take stands out.

Helena Bonham Carter: A Burton Muse and Depp's Pal

Helena Bonham Carter plays Dr. Julia Hoffman, the quirky psychiatrist in Dark Shadows. As a frequent Burton collaborator, she adds depth to this ensemble. Their professional relationship shines through.

Bonham Carter's friendship with Johnny Depp brings additional intrigue. They've worked together in previous films like Sweeney Todd. Their chemistry is evident on-screen, showcasing a connection that extends beyond acting.

Publicly, Bonham Carter supported Depp during his legal issues with Amber Heard. She expressed her belief in his character after his defamation victory. This bond enriches their collaborations in the film world.

After their romantic split in 2014, Burton and Bonham Carter remained friends and co-parents. They continue to exhibit a supportive relationship, defying conventional expectations of exes. Known for their eccentric living arrangements, they've even maintained nearby homes after parting ways.

Chloë Grace Moretz: Teenage Werewolf Angst

Chloë Grace Moretz portrays Carolyn Stoddard, Elizabeth Collins Stoddard's rebellious daughter. Around 15 during filming, she embodies teenage angst with flair. Carolyn is not just any typical teen; she's also a werewolf.

This twist adds chaos to the already bizarre Collins family dynamic. Moretz captures Carolyn's struggles with authenticity and wit. Her portrayal offers a playful mix of werewolf lore and youthful rebellion.

Eva Green as Angelique Bouchard: Witch with a Vengeful Heart

Eva Green embodies Angelique Bouchard with striking presence. She plays the wronged witch who drives Barnabas's vampire fate. Angelique isn't merely a villain; she's multi-dimensional, shaped by heartbreak and vengeance.

The tension between Angelique and Barnabas becomes central to the film's narrative. She turns him into a vampire after he rejects her love and buries him alive. Their fraught relationship fuels much of the plot's drama and humor.

Josette DuPres: The Lost Love

Josette DuPres, played by Bella Heathcote, represents Barnabas's true love. She is an innocent French aristocrat who captures his heart, contrasting sharply with the turmoil caused by Angelique.

Barnabas's love for Josette is sincere and deep, unlike his attraction to Angelique, which lacks true affection. Josette symbolizes normalcy and happiness—peacefully reflecting Barnabas's tragic destiny.

Even in flashbacks and as Victoria Winters, Josette haunts Barnabas's mind throughout the film. Her ghostly presence serves as a painful reminder throughout his endless quest for redemption while grappling with Angelique’s curse.

reminder of what he lost.

Jonathan Frid: The Original Barnabas Collins

Jonathan Frid, known for portraying Barnabas Collins in the original Dark Shadows, appears in the 2012 film. This cameo pleased fans. It marked a transition from one Barnabas to another. Tragically, Frid died shortly before the film's release. His legacy as Barnabas remains.

Michelle Pfeiffer and the Rest of the Collins Clan

Michelle Pfeiffer plays Elizabeth Collins Stoddard, the matriarch. She adds elegance and mystery to the role. She tries to hold the dysfunctional family together. The family features Jonny Lee Miller as Roger Collins, Alexia Osborne as young Victoria, and Gully McGrath as troubled David Collins. Each actor enhances the family dynamic.

Character Arcs and Intricacies: Delving Deeper into the Shadows

Beyond the star power, Dark Shadows features characters with quirks and secrets.

Barnabas Collins: From Playboy to Prisoner of the Night

Barnabas Collins undergoes a dramatic transformation. He starts as a successful man in Collinsport. His arrogance leads him to play with a witch's affections. Angelique curses him, turning him into a vampire. He becomes forever separated from the sun, altering his existence profoundly.

The Bite that Binds: Angelique's Vampiric Vendetta

Angelique Bouchard curses Barnabas after rejection. She uses her powers for revenge, transforming him into a vampire. This act shapes Barnabas's destiny and affects the entire Collins family.

Love Triangles and Undead Longing: Angelique vs. Josette

Barnabas's curse stems from a love triangle. He loves Josette but spurns Angelique, leading to resentment. His heart belongs to Josette, intensifying Angelique's rage. It creates a classic love triangle with gothic twists.

Cures and Conflicts: Is There an Exit from Vampirism?

Cures for vampirism recur in vampire lore. In the original series, attempts exist to cure Barnabas. In a non-canonical tale, Angelique lifts the curse in 1840. However, the 2012 film centers on Barnabas accepting his state rather than seeking a cure.

Fate and Finality: Endings and Echoes Across Versions

The fate of Barnabas varies by version. In the 1970 film House of Dark Shadows, he meets his end. The original series has a more open fate. The 2012 film leaves his future unclear, hinting his story continues.

Carolyn Stoddard: Teenage Werewolf Rebellion

Carolyn Stoddard, in 2012, is a werewolf, unlike previous versions. Her lycanthropy is a family curse, adding to her teenage struggles. Imagine handling homework alongside werewolf transformations.

Lycanthropic Lineage: Bitten in the Crib

Carolyn's origins tie to Angelique's curse. Angelique's revenge involves a creature biting Carolyn as a baby. This adds intrigue to the Collins family's dark history. It complicates Carolyn's existence from a young age.

Love and Lycanthropy: Carolyn and Jeb Hawkes

In some Dark Shadows narratives, Carolyn dates Jeb Hawkes. Despite family disapproval, they marry in 1970. Their romance adds youthful charm among supernatural drama. Introducing a werewolf girlfriend to parents would be interesting.

Other Shadowy Figures: Adam, Victoria/Josette, and Family Secrets

Dark Shadows includes many supporting characters, each with secrets.

Adam: Frankensteinian Frustration

Adam is a creation similar to Frankenstein. He seeks companionship but finds only loneliness. His vengeful path leads him to a tragic end at Barnabas's hands.

Victoria Winters/Josette: Reincarnation or Reunion?

Victoria Winters shares a connection with Josette DuPres. At the film's climax, Barnabas calls her Victoria, but she replies "Josette." This suggests a mysterious merging of souls, adding romantic intrigue.

Paul Stoddard: The Vanishing Husband

Elizabeth Collins Stoddard’s husband, Paul, has an intriguing backstory. He supposedly died after Elizabeth attacked him. However, he fled with Jason, leaving unresolved drama behind.

David Collins: Boy with a Haunted Hideaway

Young David Collins often hides in the family mausoleum. His affinity for the macabre suggests he can see ghosts. He embodies a whimsical element amid the dark atmosphere, lightening the film's tone.

Relationships in the Shadows: Love, Curses, and Friendships

Relationships drive the plot and shape character destinies in Dark Shadows.

Barnabas and Angelique: A Toxic Tango of Love and Hate

Barnabas and Angelique’s relationship is a mix of passion and hostility. Their interactions involve tension fueled by their shared past. It creates a gothic love affair filled with supernatural elements.

Barnabas and Josette: True Love Lost and (Maybe) Found

Barnabas and Josette symbolize pure love. Their relationship faces interruption due to Angelique's jealousy. Josette represents the happiness Barnabas lost. Her potential reincarnation offers a glimmer of hope.

Barnabas has a chance to reclaim lost love in a new way. It's a romantic theme amid darkness, adding some light in the shadows.

Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp: A Film Friendship

The friendship between Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp shines on screen. Their work in Burton's films shows real chemistry and a shared vision. This friendship brings authenticity to their characters, making relationships feel believable and engaging. They are the gothic power couple of Hollywood friendships.

Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Burton: From Love to Co-Parenting

The relationship of Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Burton weaves personal and professional lives together. Their long romance created iconic films and two children. Post-split, they continue to co-parent and collaborate. Their bond shows how creative partnerships can thrive even after romance fades.

Daniel Radcliffe's Teenage Crush on Helena Bonham Carter

Daniel Radcliffe shared his teenage crush on Helena Bonham Carter during a Harry Potter reunion. This sweet confession highlights Bonham Carter's lasting appeal. It reminds us that even in supernatural drama, there's space for a touch of puppy love.

Dark Shadows: Series vs. Movie

The 2012 film is a fresh take on the original Dark Shadows soap opera, leading to inevitable comparisons. Each version has strengths and weaknesses, appealing to different audiences.

Pacing Variances: Jam-Packed vs. Drawn-Out

A key criticism of the Dark Shadows movie is its attempt to include too much from the soap opera in a brief runtime. The original had years to develop characters and plots, but the film condensed decades into under two hours. This created rushed pacing and underdeveloped plots. It's like fitting a mansion into a closet.

Collinwood Mansion: From Reality to Film

The iconic Collinwood Mansion has a real-world counterpart. The exterior shots use Seaview Terrace in Newport, Rhode Island. This grand mansion embodies the gothic vibe of Collinwood, adding real mystique to the estate. Its secrets linger in shadowy areas.

Original Demise: Barnabas's Absence

The original Dark Shadows faced cancellation in 1971, partly due to Jonathan Frid leaving the role of Barnabas Collins. Barnabas was the breakout star, infusing new life into the show. Without him, ratings dropped, leading to its end. A classic case of losing star power and audience attention.

Reception: Did Dark Shadows 2012 Succeed?

The 2012 Dark Shadows film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. It wasn't a flop but didn’t reach blockbuster levels expected from its cast.

Is It Worth Watching? Flaws and Fun

Despite its flaws, Dark Shadows 2012 remains worth seeing, especially for fans of Burton's style. If you want a supernatural tale that embraces absurdity and gothic themes, this film may satisfy. It’s not a masterpiece, but entertaining in its quirky way. Consider it a funhouse ride—some bumps, but enjoyable.

Financial Figures: Success vs. Disappointment

Dark Shadows grossed about $250 million globally. Yet, due to its high production costs, it’s seen as a financial disappointment. The budget made it hard to turn a significant profit, highlighting Hollywood's tricky balance between box office success and financial loss.

Critical Feedback: Visuals Celebrate, Story Criticized

Critics had varied responses to Dark Shadows. The film earned praise for its gothic look and strong imagery. The cast, especially Depp and Green, delivered commendable performances. Yet, tonal issues arose, as some found it uneven between comedy and drama. The script felt overloaded and unfocused. Visually stunning but narratively messy—like a pretty cake with an off taste.

Plot Secrets: Unraveling Collinwood Mysteries

Dark Shadows features numerous twists and secrets, engaging audiences with the Collins family’s supernatural adventures.

The Collins Family Secret: Vampirism Revealed

The core secret of the Collins family is Barnabas Collins's vampirism. This dark truth lies behind locked doors in the family mausoleum. While treasure hunts may be expected, this secret is far more supernatural. It quite literally drains life from anyone who uncovers it... metaphorically speaking.

Who Dies? Dramatic Deaths in Dark Shadows

Death recurs in Dark Shadows, with characters facing dramatic and sometimes supernatural ends. Adam, a Frankensteinian creation, is shot by Barnabas. In other versions, Barnabas meets various fates too, sometimes facing his demise. In Collinwood, death often feels temporary, especially when vampires are around.

Aftermaths: Different Endings, Different Fates

The endings of Dark Shadows vary across versions. In the 1970 film House of Dark Shadows, Barnabas hints at undead survival after seeming death. In 2012, after defeating Angelique, Carolyn becomes human again, while Collinwood burns. These endings reflect the episodic nature of the original soap and the compact film narrative. The shadows of Collinwood linger regardless.

Locations of Lore: Rose Cottage and Collinwood Unveiled

The settings of Dark Shadows enhance its gothic texture and visual charm.

Rose Cottage: Nearby Hauntings

Rose Cottage is near Collinwood yet less central. It's part of Collinsport's haunted landscape, adding to its eerie vibe. Renting it for peace may not be wise if you dislike ghosts and vampires.

Collinwood Mansion: Seaview Terrace Delivers

The exterior of Collinwood Mansion is Seaview Terrace in Newport, Rhode Island. This mansion serves as an ideal gothic backdrop for Collins's supernatural antics. It's become synonymous with Dark Shadows, linking fiction with reality. A visit may send chills through your spine.

Actor Insights: Frid, Moretz, Parker’s Shadowy Legacy

The actors of Dark Shadows, from the original series to the 2012 film, shape its ongoing legacy.

Jonathan Frid: The Original Barnabas Lives On

Jonathan Frid was 43 when he portrayed Barnabas Collins in 1967. His iconic role captivated viewers and defined Barnabas for years. Sadly, he passed in April 2012 at age 87 due to health issues. His death was felt by fans worldwide, yet his legacy as Barnabas endures. He showed even night creatures can be charming.

Chloë Grace Moretz: Young Talent Shines

Chloë Grace Moretz was just 15 as Carolyn Stoddard in the 2012 film, showcasing her skills from an early age.