Michael Keaton reflects on his ‘Dumbo’ performance: A personal regret
A look back at ‘Dumbo’
Michael Keaton recently opened up about his role in Tim Burton’s 2019 live-action film, Dumbo. The movie, which featured a star-studded cast including Colin Farrell, Eva Green, and Danny DeVito, received mixed reviews and was considered a financial disappointment for Disney, grossing just over $350 million worldwide.
Keaton’s candid confession
In a recent interview, Keaton expressed his regret over his performance in Dumbo. “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,” Keaton shared. “I think I let him down on one movie, but that’s just me, and it bugs me to this day. I was clueless on Dumbo. I sucked in Dumbo.”
Tim Burton, who was also part of the interview, interjected, “I don’t even know what you’re talking about, but whatever.”
Critical reception
Critics were divided over Keaton’s portrayal of the villainous amusement park owner, Vandevere. One review noted that “Keaton’s performance as the dastardly Vandevere is disappointingly thin; he’s a bad guy with a sandpaper voice but no layers.”
Burton’s perspective
Keaton’s disappointment mirrors that of Burton, who has been quite open about his experience making Dumbo. In a recent interview, Burton revealed that he contemplated ending his directing career after the film. “Honestly, after Dumbo, I really didn’t know,” Burton said. “I thought that could have been it, really. I could have retired, or become… well, I wouldn’t have become an animator again, that’s over.”
A turning point with ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’
Burton credited the upcoming Beetlejuice Beetlejuice for reigniting his passion for filmmaking. ”Oftentimes, when you get into Hollywood, you try to be responsible to what you’re doing with the budget and everything else but sometimes you might lose yourself a little bit. This reinforced the feeling for me that it’s important that I do what I want to do, because then everybody will benefit.”
Reflecting on Disney
Speaking at the 2019 Lumière Festival, Burton said, “The thing about Dumbo is that’s why I think my days with Disney are done. I realized that I was Dumbo, that I was working in this horrible big circus and I needed to escape. That movie is quite autobiographical at a certain level.”
A long-standing collaboration
Keaton and Burton have been longtime friends and collaborators, having worked together on Beetlejuice, Batman, Batman Returns, Dumbo, and the upcoming Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. The latter is set to open in theaters on September 6 from Warner Bros.
Personal reflections
As a cinema enthusiast, it’s fascinating to see how even seasoned actors like Michael Keaton can have moments of self-doubt and reflection. His candidness about his performance in Dumbo offers a rare glimpse into the vulnerabilities that even the most accomplished artists experience. It also highlights the importance of creative synergy and the impact it can have on a project.
For fans of Tim Burton, the director’s reflections on his career and his renewed passion for filmmaking with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice are particularly exciting. Burton’s unique vision and storytelling have left an indelible mark on the film industry, and his commitment to staying true to his creative instincts is a testament to his enduring influence.
In the world of cinema, every project is a learning experience, and both Keaton and Burton’s reflections on Dumbo serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that come with bringing a story to life on the big screen.