My husband felt there was too much singing, but if you’re at all familiar with the Broadway show with Len Cariou and Angela Lansbury, it is the music that carries you along with the flow of Sweeney’s revenge. As with all movies, cuts had to be made, but I feel that Tim Burton did a fantastic job with the movie. Johnny Depp as Sweeney is madly frightening and Helena Bonham Carter as Mrs. Lovett is sympathetically scary. And yes, they both can sing, too.
If you’re not familiar at all with the story of Sweeney Todd then you’ll be a little left in the dark about Sweeney’s lost daughter and the young sailor, Anthony. The real shame is that the role of the old woman almost seems an afterthought in the movie, whereas in the stage production she had a much more meaningful presence.
As with all Burton’s movies, the sets are grim and the blood is crimson and plentiful. You know he does it to shock, and it works. I found it rather satisfying to see a group of young men in front of us that instantly lost their laughter when Sweeney took his first kill.
The humor is dark and it is a violent film. However, you are held as captive in Todd’s madness as Johanna is kept prisoner by Judge Turpin; slimily portrayed by Alan Rickman.
This is NOT a movie for youngsters. So be a parent and get a sitter, then go and see this movie. It is stunning, scary, and one you will have nightmares about.
Tags: movies
I can’t wait to see it!!! I’ve been a Stephen Sondheim fan for years (closet wannabe Broadway star here) and of course there’s nothing wrong with a movie full of Johnny Depp… Thanks for the teaser!