Tim Burton and partner Helena Bonham Carter made a dashing couple on Wednesday night as they opened the British Film Institute Film Festival in London. Director Tim premiered his new film, Frankenweenie, inspired by the death of his beloved childhood pet.
The filmmaker's 3D animation is a gothic but heart-warming tale about a young boy who tries to use science to bring his dead dog back to life." I hope people enjoy it and feel the emotion of it," he said. The director said he also hoped cinemagoers would appreciate "the artistry all the artists put into the movie". Frankenweenie was made in London at Three Mills Studio and is a longer version of a short film Tim made in 1984.
Their date night comes after it has been announced the pair are to be honoured by the British movie industry with a BFI Fellowship. The quirky couple - who have worked together on numerous occasions including on films such as Planet Of The Apes and Sweeney Todd - will be recognised at the annual awards of the organisation's cine fest which takes place on October 20.
The fellowship is the highest honour from the British Film Institute. The 54-year-old director said of the accolade: "I feel very touched and grateful... for this tremendous honour."
"It means more than I can put into words... and to be included alongside the great directors who have received it before me. "Helena - who received her second Oscar nomination last year for her role in The King's Speech - said: "I am somewhat bewildered and not sure that I am deserving of such an honour as a Fellowship from the BFI, but shall accept it with deep gratitude."
