Without Edward Gorey, many modern classics wouldn’t exist. Edward Scissorhands, for example: The aesthetic of the movie is unmistakably influenced by the distinctive mood of Gorey’s art. In fact, when they first met, writer/director Tim Burton and score composer Danny Elfman bonded over their mutual love of Gorey’s work. Nor are they the only artists indebted to this genius. Lemony Snicket, Wes Anderson, Alison Bechdel, Neil Gaiman, and countless other luminaries cite Gorey as a crucial inspiration.

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