Actress Ella Purnell recently spoke about her experience working with renowned director Tim Burton on the 2016 fantasy film “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.” Purnell, who gained prominence through roles in shows like “Yellowjackets” and “Fallout,” said the Burton film was her big break. She reflected on Burton’s intense focus and creative vision during production.
Purnell described Burton as having an unwavering focus on his craft. She said he would be “thinking all the time” and rarely made eye contact during conversations as his mind focused on the creative process. Purnell added that Burton has “such vision” and is constantly immersed in the world he creates for his films.
The actress said Burton’s preparation was extremely thorough. He knew the characters and story inside and out. This allowed Burton to give actors space to develop their roles but also provide guidance when needed. “He will always let you do your own thing on the first one or two takes, and then he’ll direct you,” Purnell noted.
Burton’s career spans over five decades since his first short film in 1971. Purnell said working with him on “Miss Peregrine’s,” which came later in his filmography, showed how his directing approach had evolved over the years. She praised the “collaborative” environment heaimto fosted set while maintaining his clear creative vision.
As Burton prepares to release his latest project “Beetlejuice” in September, Purnell’s insights offers fans a better understanding of the iconic director’s unique process. His long career has produced a distinctive gothic visual style and imaginative stories. “Miss Peregrine’s” is available on Disney+ for viewers to experience firsthand Purnell and Burton’s collaboration.