I always thought this, too but then a few years ago I looked through his catalogue and other than some real turds like the Wonka thing, he’s done some fantastic work:
Sweeney Todd
Frankenweenie (feature length version)
Nightmare Before Christmas (didn’t direct, but it’s his film in all other aspects)
Corpse Bride
Big Fish
Big Eyes (not his greatest, but certainly no stinker)
Wednesday
If another director has done those in that time period, they’d be heralded as a brilliant auteur.
