Release: 2005-09-12
Runtime: 1h 17m (77 minutes)
In a 19th-century European village, a young man about to be married is whisked away to the underworld and wed to a mysterious corpse bride, while his real bride waits bereft in the land of the living.
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Provided by JustWatch
Genres: Fantasy, Animation, Romance
Cast: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Emily Watson, more
Johnny Depp
as Victor Van Dort (voice)
Helena Bonham Carter
as Corpse Bride (voice)
Emily Watson
as Victoria Everglot (voice)
Christopher Lee
as Pastor Galswells (voice)
Joanna Lumley
as Maudeline Everglot (voice)
Richard E. Grant
as Barkis Bittern (voice)
Albert Finney
as Finis Everglot (voice)
Tracey Ullman
as Nell Van Dort / Hildegarde (voice)
Jane Horrocks
as Black Widow Spider / Mrs. Plum (voice)
Michael Gough
as Elder Gutknecht (voice)
Enn Reitel
as Maggot / Town Crier (voice)
Deep Roy
as General Bonesapart (voice)
In a 19th-century European village, a young man about to be married is whisked away to the underworld and wed to a mysterious corpse bride, while his real bride waits bereft in the land of the living.
There's been a grave misunderstanding.
Corpse Bride, a stop-motion animated fantasy film directed by Mike Johnson and Tim Burton, premiered on 7 September 2005 at the Venice International Film Festival. The film officially released in the United States on 23 September 2005 and garnered a total box office of approximately $118.1 million worldwide.
Set in a Victorian-era village, the story centers around Victor Van Dort, voiced by Johnny Depp, and Victoria Everglot, voiced by Emily Watson. Their arranged marriage is intended to elevate the social standing of Victor's family and restore wealth to Victoria's. However, chaos ensues when Victor accidentally marries a deceased bride named Emily, voiced by Helena Bonham Carter, after mistakenly placing his wedding ring on her skeletal finger. This leads him into the whimsical Land of the Dead.
Throughout the film, Victor learns of Emily's tragic past, including her murder by her fiancé who betrayed her. As the story unfolds, Victor attempts to find a way back to Victoria, leading to a series of events filled with humor, tension, and emotional depth.
The film's production involved extensive stop-motion animation techniques, with Burton and Johnson implementing a digital shooting process that was innovative for its time. Animators worked tirelessly to bring the intricate puppets and sets to life, using a combination of digital cameras and traditional animation methods.
Acclaimed for its artistic style and storytelling, Corpse Bride has been praised for its unique blend of whimsy and darkness. Critics have noted its emotional resonance and the charm of its characters. The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature and won the National Board of Review award for Best Animated Feature in 2005.
The soundtrack, composed by Danny Elfman, features a mix of musical numbers and score that enhance the film's haunting yet whimsical atmosphere. Released alongside the film, it includes songs performed by the voice cast, adding depth to the storytelling.
Overall, Corpse Bride stands as a testament to Burton's ability to create enchanting, yet eerie tales that resonate with audiences of all ages, making it a beloved classic in animated film history.
