Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice: Is Less Really More in the Sequel?
The return of Tim Burton’s iconic and eccentric comedy, "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice", is just around the corner, and fans are eagerly awaiting the reunion of the original cast: Tim Burton, Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara. While the excitement is palpable, a surprising revelation has emerged about the titular character’s screen time: Beetlejuice will once again have less than 20 minutes of screen time.
In a recent interview with "The New York Times", Burton and Keaton confirmed this decision, stating that it was a conscious choice to keep Beetlejuice’s chaotic presence to a minimum. This strategy was employed in the original film, where he graced the screen for a mere 17 minutes in a 92-minute film. While the sequel is longer, clocking in at 104 minutes, achieving a similar ratio would theoretically require just a few more minutes of Beetlejuice’s screen time.
This decision has sparked debate among fans. Is a limited Beetlejuice truly the right approach, as Burton and Keaton insist? Is the iconic character’s presence better experienced in small, concentrated doses? Or is this a missed opportunity to fully explore the character, especially with the sequel’s extended runtime?
"I didn’t realize until after we shot it [the sequel] that it almost mirrored the same schedule we had on the first one," Burton revealed in the interview. "You were probably in this one more than the first movie, but we always said less is more." **
Keaton echoed Burton’s sentiment, emphasizing that keeping Beetlejuice’s screen time under control was a deliberate choice. "Yeah, our agreement was no more Beetlejuice than the last time. If it’s over a minute or two, maybe, but we’ve all seen that failure. ‘Hey man, those car crashes were really good. Let’s give ’em 50 car crashes.’ We both knew, don’t do that.”
The duo’s insistence on this approach likely stems from several reasons. Firstly, they acknowledge that the most memorable and impactful moments involving Beetlejuice are often the shorter, more surprising appearances. Overexposure could diminish the character’s charm and the overall impact he has on the story.
Secondly, the original film’s success relied heavily on its unique blend of humor, horror, and visual spectacle, all interwoven with the captivating performances of Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara. Focusing on these characters, along with the exploration of new dynamics and story elements, might be a strategic move to ensure freshness and prevent the sequel from merely replicating the original.
Burton has, however, shown signs of a revitalized approach with the sequel, revisiting the hands-on practicality of his early career with "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" after the digitally-driven "Dumbo" in 2019. Keaton, while praising his partnership with Burton, confessed to being dissatisfied with his performance in the Disney remake: "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 today. I was clueless on Dumbo. I sucked in Dumbo. "
The fact that Keaton himself acknowledges this blip in their collaboration suggests that the duo are more aware of their strengths and are actively trying to avoid any missteps. Considering Burton’s recent re-embracing of practical effects and Keaton’s determination to avoid repeating the "Dumbo" experience, the decision to limit Beetlejuice’s screen time could simply be a part of a larger, conscious effort to deliver a film that is simultaneously nostalgic and fresh, respectful to the original yet brimming with new life.
However, for fans who are eager to see Michael Keaton unleashed in his full Beetlejuice glory, this might be a disappointing revelation. Despite the potentially wise choice to avoid overexposure, the sheer name recognition of the character, his iconic presence in the title, and the anticipation surrounding his return might make a limited appearance feel like a missed opportunity.
Only time will tell whether the "less is more" strategy for Beetlejuice will be successful. "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" releases on September 6th, and audiences will finally be able to judge for themselves whether the limited screen time for the titular character is a boon or a detriment to the overall experience.
Perhaps the true measure of success will not be confined to mere minutes of screen time. Ultimately, the impact of Beetlejuice’s presence will depend on the quality and effectiveness of the film itself – how well the story unfolds, the interplay between characters, and the overall visual and emotional effect on the audience.
As the film gears up for release, the question remains: Will "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" live up to the hype and continue the legacy of its predecessor, or will it be overshadowed by the limited presence of its iconic character? The answer, like all good mysteries, will be revealed soon enough.
