As quirky as the subject matter of the film "Ed Wood" is, I think this biopic is one of Tim Burton's most subtle efforts. Retelling a brief portion of energetic but talentless director Ed Wood's life, Burton manages to make every character likable even with their tremendous dysfunctions.

The entire film is in black and white and I can't even imagine what a mistake it would have been to make this in color. Johnny Depp is a total scene-chewer here. He brings the optimism and energy of Wood to a nearly over-the-top boil. Even when Wood is failing, Depp never plays for sympathy. The real standout is Martin Landau. Of course, he won an Oscar for his portrayal of Bela Lugosi. I really don't know how close he got to channeling Lugosi, but he created a character that was likable even though he was a drug-addicted, suicidal has-been.

There were a number of moments when Landau as Lugosi awes Wood with his "first take" monologues. Wood is speechless in his admiration, which is exactly how I felt watching Landau bring Lugosi to life.