Ed 1996

The film begins amid a dramatic thunderstorm, with bright flashes of lightning illuminating an eerie old house as the haunting wail of a Theremin echoes through the night. Inside, a coffin opens to reveal Criswell, who sits up to deliver a familiar opening commentary that closely resembles his lines from Plan 9 from Outer Space. The credits roll, showcasing the cast’s names inscribed on tombstones, yet another nod to its predecessor. The camera pans from the iconic Hollywood sign down into the heart of the city.

It’s a rainy evening during the early 1950s, centered outside a dilapidated theater in Hollywood. Here we meet the quirky and somewhat scatterbrained theater director, Edward D. Wood Jr., portrayed by Johnny Depp. He is anxiously awaiting the arrival of the press to discuss his latest play, The Casual Company, which is set against a backdrop of World War II. Unfortunately, the audience turnout is dishearteningly low. Later that night, Ed, along with his friend John “Bunny” Breckinridge played by Bill Murray, and the cast members including the talented Dolores Fuller (played by Sarah Jessica Parker), Paul Marco (played by Max Casella), and Conrad “Connie” Brooks, discovers a scathing review of their play, where nearly every detail is criticized. Only the costumes receive any praise, but it doesn’t seem to comfort Ed as he wrestles with his anxieties about achieving success in the film industry at nearly thirty years old—worried that he trails behind Orson Welles, who was just 26 when he created Citizen Kane.

A few days later, while working in the props department of a film studio, Ed overhears two office girls discussing an article about a prospective bio-pic on Christine Jorgensen, the first American to undergo sex reassignment surgery. Seizing the opportunity, Ed reaches out to George Weiss (played by Mike Starr), the head of a small production studio, to pitch himself as the perfect director. In an attempt to impress him, he blurts out that he is the most qualified man to direct such a film due to his experiences as a transvestite. When Weiss appears unconvinced, Ed reveals that he has a personal connection to the subject matter, causing Weiss to question his motives and experience.

On Halloween night 1953, Ed and Bela Lugosi (played by Martin Landau) share an evening at home watching White Zombie. Their developing friendship provides Ed with support, and he sees Bela as essential for his upcoming film project, offering him a role in exchange for a lower pay. As filming for Glen or Glenda begins, Ed faces challenges not only from budget constraints but also from the cast’s responses to his cross-dressing.

Amidst the chaos, Ed must navigate the turmoil of jealousies and insecurities, particularly from Dolores, who feels betrayed by Ed’s honesty regarding his cross-dressing, which he initially frames as central to the film’s authenticity. However, Ed’s tenacity drives him to finish the project, despite the numerous hurdles, including the lack of financial backing and Bela’s struggle with substance abuse. Moments of levity, such as a wrestling match and a chaotic filming day with mishap-ridden scenes, demonstrate Ed’s dreams.

Following an unsuccessful premiere of Bride of the Monster, and facing increasing hostility from his investors, Ed ultimately holds fast to his creative vision even as the odds are stacked against him. His passion collides with the harsh realities of the film industry, leading him to assert his authority as a director, despite the turmoil within his relationships and his financial struggles.

As we move closer to the end, Ed proposes to his love interest, Kathy, against the backdrop of Hollywood’s neon lights. Their journey of persistence in the arts ultimately culminates in a mix of success, struggles, and the reality of an industry that favors conformity over the unorthodox creativity that Ed represents.

The film wraps with a poignant retrospective on the lives of its characters following the film industry journey, highlighting how Ed continued to face challenges in Hollywood and remained a cult figure long after his struggles, while Bela’s legacy burgeoned amongst fans, demonstrating the enduring allure of their countercultural rebellion against the conventional norms of their time.