Tim Burton - the man, the legend

We all have one, whatever it is we love, be it film, music, sport, anything. One person, one band, one game that above all else makes us say "if I could be anyone", "write any one song" or "play any game"

"I'd choose..."

For me, in film. Simple. I'd be Tim Burton, this guy takes an idea, an image, a book and adapts, twists, darkens and moulds it into a visionary piece of work.

I've lost count of the times I've said to myself "god I wish I had his brain!"

Now we all know film is subjective so don't for a second think I'm trying to tell you to feel this way, just let my love of an artist spark the thought in your head of 'who inspires me?'

My first experience of Tim Burton at work would have been Batman, I certainly remember watching it on video as a kid. My over riding memory of that experience was the darkness, literally pitch black. So yes, I was too young to appreciate his talent as I was four when it came out, boy genius I was not!

The first film I saw of his and I thought 'wow this is really my kinda director' was of course, Edward Scissorhands. The scene that did it for me - as I'm sure you are aware when I talk about scenes in films I'm very visual - the ice sculpture scene. Edward sculpting a huge ice angel making it snow as Kim dances under him, with Danny Elfman conducting a moving soundtrack as we see and feel Kim falling for Edward. Sensational. To this day when I watch that film with someone who hasn't seen it I get excited at that scene.

From then on I was hooked, The Nightmare Before Christmas is, in our house, one of those films that 'it's not Christmas until we have seen this' - as is It's a Wonderful Life, we will get on to Christmas films later my friends - one year we sat till the early hours to catch the film on itv. Yes we had it on DVD but seeing it on tv just adds that extra special sparkle to it.

The film is breathtakingly stunning at times and the scene that stands out for me is after Jack has been shot from the sky he lays to rest in the arms of an angel. So simple but beautifully striking.

It's clear I love Tim Burton, anyone who knows me would tell you that. His ability to make a film that is dark yet innocent is a talent I think is hugely underrated. One of his criticisms down the years is his inability to tell a story - have you seen Big Fish? Honestly, some people are impossible to please!

Talking of Big Fish, that was the first film I cried at at the cinema I believe. When Edward Bloom is being carried to the water as he says goodbye to all his friends before swimming free - yes I was gone, in bits. Tears and snot everywhere. So what. Deal with.

So who or what inspires you? Why? Whoever they are or whatever it is surround yourself with the inspiration. Never listen to anyone telling you you are wrong and never be afraid to say what it is you feel.

Check me out with the inspirational speech, can you tell I've just watched Dead Poets Society?

I'm off to stand on a table...