Frankenweenie (Short)

About Frankenweenie (Short)

"Frankenweenie" is a short horror-comedy film directed by Tim Burton and produced by Rick Heinrichs. The film is a homage to 1931's Frankenstein as it tells the story of a boy who brings his dog back to life. The dog's monstrous appearance scares local neighbors who eventually become a mob that confronts the boy and his newly revived pet.

Making / Production

"Frankenweenie" was filmed in black and white, aligning it with the aesthetic of the classic horror films it pays tribute to. A pre-fame Tim Burton directed the film under the umbrella of Walt Disney Pictures. The film was initially intended to be a theatrical release but due to its dark nature, it was released as a home video.

Actors

• Barret Oliver as Victor Frankenstein: Barret played his role as the young protagonist passionately. He managed to convey the love for his dog, and the despair at his loss.
• Shelley Duvall as Susan Frankenstein: Shelley perfectly portrayed the role of a worried and supportive mother to Victor.
• Daniel Stern as Ben Frankenstein: Daniel took on the part of Victor's father, expressing concern and later acceptance of his son's peculiar interests.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie got Tim Burton fired from Disney due to its dark and disturbing content.
• The film was adapted into a full-length feature film in 2012, also directed by Tim Burton.
• The film was shot on 35mm film and is 30 minutes long.
• The name "Frankenstein" is a combination of "Frankenstein," the famous novel by Mary Shelley, and "weenie," a slang term for a small dog.

Awards

Although the film didn't win any awards, it has been widely recognized for its significance in the career of award-winning director Tim Burton.

Quotes

• "I can fix that." – Victor about his dead dog.
• "We can do better." – Mr. Chambers to Victor.

Music, Soundtrack

• "Strangers" – The Kinks
• "Pet Sematary" – Ramones