BeforeElla Purnellbecame a major star on TV, with leading roles in hit shows likeYellowjacketsandFallout, she got her big break alongside a star-studded cast inTim Burton’sMiss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. Based on the novel by Ransom Riggs,Miss Peregrine’s Homeis one of Burton’s most underrated movies, often being overshadowed by his long-establishedclassics likeEdward Scissorhands,Beetlejuice, andBatman. As well as giving Purnell the rare opportunity to act in her native English accent, it also paired the rising talent with one of the most beloved directors working today,an experience she remembers as incredible and peculiar.
Appearing at Fan Expo Chicago (viaCollider), Ella Purnell reflected on her time working onMiss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. The actress had nothing but kind words to say about Tim Burton. She remembers her early days on set, watching Burton work, and revealed how the director was so dedicated to the filmmaking process that he would go for significant periods without making eye contact during conversations. She explained:
“He is the best guy. I haven’t seen him for ages, probably not since we did Miss Peregrine’s. But he’s like a mad scientist. He’s got such vision, and his thinking space is up here, so he’ll never make eye-contact with you because he’s thinking all the time. He just pulls these things together, and it’s all just in his mind’s eye. It’s amazing to watch him work.”
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
Ella Purnell Explains Tim Burton’s Directing Process
Tim Burton has been directing since 1971, starting with a short film titledThe Island of Doctor Agor. Burton then directed a series of shorts, as well as an episode ofAlfred Hitchcock Presents,before getting hisbig directorial break withBeetlejuice— the movie that would cement his signature gothic style. In the 28 years betweenBeetlejuiceandMiss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, it’s safe to assume that Burton has learned a thing or two about directing, and Ella Purnell has described him as an insanely prepared and open director.
Michael Keaton Says Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Is ‘Stronger’ Than the Original
Tim Burton’s latest hits theaters next month, and we can’t wait to step back into the world he’s created to see what’s next.
During the discussion,Ella Purnell revealed Tim Burton’s directing process and how he lets actors experiment with their performances. Some directors, like Adam McKay, wholeheartedly embrace improv and experimentation, while others, like The Coen Brothers, strictly adhere to their methodically written scripts. Purnell revealed that Burton falls somewhere in the middle. He will let the actors go wild on the first few takes before stepping in with some direction and guidance, having everything planned out. She said:
“He will always let you do your own thing on the first one or two takes, and then he’ll direct you. It always feels collaborative, which is essential, and my favorite part about the industry. And also, crucially, directors need to have answers. Sometimes, you don’t know why your character is saying this line, or what this means, or what they truly feel about it, and he will always have an answer. He’s thought about everything. He doesn’t need to come in right away and tell you all of that, he’ll let you figure it out for yourself.”
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Childrenis streaming onDisney+. Tim Burton’sBeetlejuice Beetlejuiceis hitting theaters on Sept. 6.
