Beetlejuice Goes Retail: How the Movie Inspired Us to Create Extraordinary Design Solutions

In the movie world, only several visual styles become instantly recognisable and have a profound impact. One of these examples is the quirky, unconventional aesthetic of the Beetlejuice film.

The 1988 Beetlejuice, directed by Tim Burton, is renowned for its unique vibe — an eclectic mix of gothic quirkiness, bright colours and surreal details that have captivated audiences since its release. This art style defined the film’s charm and inspired various creative fields.

While the Venice Film Festival is raging with the rumblings of a new one, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, we bring you an insight into the stylistics of this film world from the perspective of design and branding professionals.

In this article, we will explore the distinctive details of the Beetlejuice style and learn how its bold and fantasy elements can be effectively integrated into today’s design and branding strategies. Our team was greatly inspired by the visual aesthetics of the movie, and we created a variety of branding materials to demonstrate how movies can influence contemporary design and branding.

(You can read the article on Medium.com)

Whether you’re a designer looking to add a touch of the unusual to your work or a brand looking to stand out in a crowded marketplace, understanding and applying these stylistic principles will help you elevate your creative projects and resonate uniquely with your audience.

The visual aesthetic of Beetlejuice

Tim Burton’s signature style. The film Beetlejuice is the quintessential example of Tim Burton’s unique visual style, which is a bizarre blend of macabre. Burton’s aesthetic is characterised by a distinctive blend of surrealism and exaggerated design elements that transport viewers to an otherworldly realm.

The film is famous for its vibrant colour palette, blends bright, almost neon hues with darker, muted tones. Burton’s design approach blurs the boundaries between the real and the imaginary, creating a visually striking experience that remains memorable and influential.

Gothic and camp elements. The Beetlejuice universe is rich in gothic and campy influences that add depth and texture to the visual narrative. Gothic elements are present throughout the film, especially evident in the elaborate character designs and otherworldly environments.

This contrast highlights the theme of the clash between the living and the dead in the film. In addition, the film criticises bourgeois culture by contrasting the upper-class pretensions of the Deetzes with the more sincere, down-to-earth feelings of the Maitlands.

Set design and special effects

Surreal set pieces. The film Beetlejuice is known for its inventive sets that create a vivid fantasy world. The transformation of the Maitlands’ home into the bizarre and kitschy space conceived by the Deetzes serves as a visual metaphor for their contrasting lifestyles.

The cinematography created by Thomas E. Ackerman uses a straightforward yet imaginative approach to create an eccentric experience. Ackerman’s use of direct and bright lighting highlights the surreal nature of the film, infusing each scene with a heightened sense of the fantastic.

The clarity of the cinematography allows imaginary sets and special effects to shine, reinforcing the film’s unique aesthetic and maintaining its playful yet eerie atmosphere.

Character design and costumes

The character design in Beetlejuice is a testament to Tim Burton’s flair for creating vividly memorable personas. Beetlejuice, portrayed by Michael Keaton, is a striking example of this approach. His wild, erratic appearance — marked by a distinctive striped suit and exaggerated makeup — perfectly captures his chaotic, mischievous nature.

Each element of Beetlejuice’s design, from his dishevelled hair to his unnerving grin, visually conveys his role as an unpredictable and eccentric ghost.

Similarly, the Deetz family and the Maitlands are crafted with contrasting yet equally striking visual styles, reflecting their differing personalities and circumstances. Lydia Deetz’s goth-inspired look, for instance, combines dark, dramatic clothing with a moody, introspective demeanour.

The film’s costumes left an indelible mark on fashion, and some designs continue to resonate in today’s culture. Lydia’s iconic black outfits, characterised by gothic elegance, and Beetlejuice’s bold pinstripe suit are prime examples of how Beetlejuice influenced fashion trends.

With its flowing black dresses and dramatic make-up, Lydia’s image became synonymous with gothic fashion, while Beetlejuice’s outfit remains a symbol of eccentric, avant-garde style.

These examples demonstrate how character design can transcend the screen, shaping and inspiring fashion trends for years.

Stylistic features of the 2024 film Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and what does retail have to do with it

The 2024 Beetlejuice film revitalises the iconic franchise with a fresh stylistic approach while staying true to its original roots. One of the film’s most striking features is its enhanced visual aesthetic, which presents a modern twist on Tim Burton’s signature surrealism.

The movie showcases a vibrant, eclectic colour palette that blends neon hues with darker, gothic tones, creating a bizarre yet captivating atmosphere. The updated design marries high-definition graphics with practical effects, delivering the film’s fantastical elements in a more immersive and visually compelling way.

The set design takes imagination to new heights, with intricate details and state-of-the-art visual effects that bring the surreal, dreamlike quality to life. The Deetz family’s renovation of the Maitlands’ home features dynamic elements such as changing wall patterns and animated otherworldly creatures, adding depth and intrigue to the scenery.

Character designs and costumes also receive a modern update. The titular character, portrayed with manic energy, sports an upgraded striped suit that blends classic and contemporary styles.

Lydia and other characters feature updated looks that reflect current fashion trends while maintaining the gothic essence that defines the original film. These design choices contribute to a cohesive visual narrative that bridges the past with the present, offering a fresh yet familiar take on beloved characters.

We see tremendous potential in applying the visual imagery from the new Beetlejuice film to design and packaging, retail spaces, and other creative applications. In this article, we’ve envisioned how the film’s distinctive style could influence various visual elements.

Our creative team is always on the lookout for fresh inspiration from cinema and welcomes new challenges!