Tim Burton is now recognized by critics and audiences, as a major film director who has created a universe of his own, constantly inventive and identifiable both in terms of contents and style. Throughout a career that started in the eighties and spans more than 35 years, Burton has brought a new approach to the filmic genres he has delved into, both in animation and live action movies. He has also acquired a form of cult status and major exhibitions have been devoted to his films and his drawings.

The papers in this volume seek to offer fresh perspectives on Burton's cinema and address several issues in five sections. « Origins and Cultural Heritage » examines the roots of Burton's work, in terms of subject matter and technique. « Strange Bodies : across Genders and Genres » focuses on an essential aspect of Burton's imaginary world. « A Matter of Life and Death (Family and Trauma) » explores recurrent, obsessional themes. « Adaptations, Remakes, Re-appropriations » deals with the way in which he rewrites, recycles or parodies literary works, musicals or TV series. « Artists and the Creative/Interpretive Process » brings to the fore the staging of the artist, which implies a self-reflexive approach and an often ironical stance.