Beetlejuice is one of the most popular and quirky movies of the late 1980s. Directed by Tim Burton, this fantasy comedy has an unforgettable cast of characters. Among them is Charles Deetz, a character often overshadowed by others but plays a crucial role in the film. Charles is the father in the Deetz family and provides an interesting mix of humor and seriousness.
Who Is Charles Deetz in Beetlejuice?
Charles Deetz is portrayed by actor Jeffrey Jones. He is a former real estate developer from New York City, who moves with his family to the quiet town of Winter River. He brings his wife Delia and daughter Lydia along, hoping for a peaceful life in a more relaxed setting. However, things take a wild turn when the Deetz family moves into a haunted house.
Charles is a man looking for some peace and quiet. He wants to leave behind the chaos of city life and start fresh. However, his peace is short-lived when he realizes the house is haunted by its previous owners, Adam and Barbara Maitland. Although Charles seems like a regular guy, he is central to the plot as the father who tries to manage the craziness around him.
Charles Deetz’s Personality
Charles Deetz is a complex character. At first, he seems like a calm and relaxed person. His only goal is to escape the pressures of the city and enjoy a quieter life. But, as the movie progresses, we see different sides to his personality.
He is somewhat laid-back compared to his wife, Delia, who is an eccentric artist. While Delia wants to redecorate the house and make it modern, Charles is more interested in enjoying the house’s rustic charm. This creates some tension between him and his wife. Their differing opinions add a humorous layer to the film.
Charles also tries to be a good father to his daughter, Lydia. Lydia is a teenager going through a gothic phase, and she often feels misunderstood. Charles tries his best to be supportive, but he sometimes seems disconnected from Lydia’s world.
Charles Deetz and the Supernatural
One of the funniest and most interesting parts of Beetlejuice is how Charles deals with the supernatural events in the house. While Delia is more focused on art and herself, Charles is more practical. He doesn’t believe in ghosts at first, but once strange things start happening, he can’t ignore it.
When the ghosts Adam and Barbara try to scare the Deetz family, Charles remains calm and even starts to think of business ideas related to the house. At one point, he considers turning the haunted house into a tourist attraction. This shows his entrepreneurial side, as he is always thinking about how to make the most out of any situation.
Although Charles isn’t as directly involved in the ghostly adventures as other characters, his reactions to the supernatural events are often hilarious. His calm demeanor contrasts with the chaos around him, making him a unique character in the movie.
Charles Deetz’s Role in the Movie’s Themes
Beetlejuice is a movie about many things: the afterlife, family dynamics, and accepting the unknown. Charles Deetz’s character plays an important role in all of these themes. He represents a father figure who is trying to balance his personal desires with his responsibilities to his family. He is also a bridge between the ordinary world and the supernatural world of the ghosts.
In the end, Charles learns to accept the unusual events happening in his house. This mirrors one of the key messages of Beetlejuice: sometimes, we need to embrace the strange and unexpected things in life.
Conclusion
While Charles Deetz might not be the most prominent character in Beetlejuice, he is essential to the story’s development. His calm and practical personality contrasts with the eccentric and ghostly elements of the movie. As a father and husband, he adds a human element to the otherwise bizarre storyline. So, the next time you watch Beetlejuice, pay attention to Charles Deetz. You might appreciate his role a bit more than you did before.
