Watching Ed Wood at the historic Egyptian Theatre was nothing short of magical. There’s something transcendent about seeing a film surrounded by fellow movie lovers–it feels more than just a screening; it becomes a collective experience of laughter and inspiration. Even three decades after its release, Ed Wood still resonates deeply, proving that its themes of passion, rejection, and artistic perseverance are timeless.

Directed by Tim Burton, Ed Wood is based on the real-life story of Edward D. Wood Jr., an eccentric filmmaker who existed on the fringes of Hollywood. That outsider status is exactly what makes his story feel so relevant today. In an industry still reluctant to embrace true weirdness, Ed’s journey is both inspiring and achingly familiar. The film’s message–that genuine passion can coexist with perceived failure–feels as fresh now as it did in the ’90s.

The screenplay is tight, witty, and emotionally rich, pulling together a cast that fully embodies the heart of this offbeat world. At the center is an early 30s Johnny Depp, who delivers one of his most empathetic performances as Ed—a dreamer with unshakable optimism and a refusal to take “no” for an answer. Through his eyes, we witness not just the struggle of making movies, but the joy of believing in something against all odds.

A turning point in Ed’s life–and in the film–comes when he meets Bela Lugosi, the aging horror icon beautifully portrayed by Martin Landau. Their friendship, unlikely yet sincere, anchors the story with pathos. Lugosi, facing his twilight years, and Ed, just beginning his uncertain rise, collide in a way that’s strange, touching, and completely true. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime connection, and the film captures it with warmth and melancholy.

Though filmed in the 1990s, Ed Wood feels like a love letter to classic cinema. The black-and-white cinematography was a bold choice at the time, but it pays off spectacularly. The film feels like a time capsule, preserving not just a story, but a whole era of filmmaking–the sets, costumes, and practical effects are rendered with such affection that you could easily mistake the film for something made in the 1950s.

What makes Ed Wood stand out among biopics is that it doesn’t mock its subject–it celebrates him. It’s the kind of film that makes you root for someone who’s constantly being knocked down by life, and yet keeps getting up with a smile. These are the movies I cherish the most: stories where the protagonist’s struggle becomes our own, and where perseverance in the face of rejection becomes something heroic.

And just when I thought the night couldn’t get more surreal, I wandered down a few blocks after the screening and found myself at the very booth where one of the movie’s early scenes was filmed. To top it all off, I met with Larry Karaszewski, one of the film’s screenwriters. That spontaneous moment made an already special evening feel like cinematic fate.

Ed Wood, a rare gem from the ’90s that captured the essence of what it means to be a filmmaker, turned 30 years old. They say time flies when you’re having a great time–and everyone in the theater was indeed having an excellent one. The film has not only aged well due to its subject matter, but its themes and messages about the struggle to make it in Hollywood feel as relevant as the headlines we see today.

Whether you’re a cinephile, a fan of underdog stories, or just curious about the life of one of Hollywood’s most infamous filmmakers, this film is a must-see. And if you ever get the chance to watch it on 35mm at a classic venue like the Egyptian, don’t miss it–it’s pure movie magic inspiration.