I have never had the pleasure of seeing a stage production of Sweeney Todd, something that will hopefully one day be corrected. My first exposure to the tale was in Jersey Girl, of all places, where one of the songs is performed at a school talent show. Now I am familiar with what Sweeney did, as well as the special ingredient in the meat pies. What I was not familiar with was the reasons behind his mad chop shop of a barbershop. Having now witnessed Tim Burton's big screen take on the musical story of horror, in all it's gothic, gory, tragic glory, I have come to love it. I cannot think of a director more suited for this type of material than Burton. His dark, comic, and darkly comic sensibilities hit just the right tone.
Sweeney Todd is a macabre tale of revenge and tragedy in the guise of a musical. It essentially turns musical theater on its ear. This is likely a result of my lake of experience in the realm of musical theater, but I can quite safely say that I have never seen anything quite like this. It is the perfect antidote to theater musicals turned filmed musicals such as Chicago and Phantom of the Opera. Sweeney Todd is not filled with huge chorus numbers, or big song and dance sequences. It has the visual opulence that one would want from musical theater, yet has more intimate, personal feel than other big screen productions.
Sweeney Todd (Johnny Depp) was once known as Benjamin Barker, a young and talented barber who had a lovely young wife, Lucy, and baby girl. One day the young family is spied by the selfish and cruel Judge Turpin (Alan Rickman), he sees Benjamin's lovely wife and wishes to have her for his own. To that end, Turpin has Barker arrested and deported on trumped up charges, and steps in to be Lucy's hero. That sets the stage for Barker's return.
The film opens with Barker, now called Sweeney Todd, returning to London from his 15-year exile. Upon his return, he makes his way to Fleet Street where he had lived with his family. It is not long before he learns of his family's fate, from Mrs. Lovett (Helena Bonham Carter). Hearing the word of their fate, his desire for revenge gains strength. He decides to use his barbering skills as his means of revenge. Of course, getting rid of his handiwork becomes a problem. This is where Mrs. Lovett's skills as a baker come in useful. I am sure even those unfamiliar with the musical can see where this is going.
Article comments
1 - Cindy
Loved your review! I thought this film was magnificent!! Two days after seeing Sweeney, I find my mind going back to it over and over again. I think I am going to have to see it again this coming week, and seeing a movie twice is a very rare thing for me. Johnny Depp and Tim Burton at their absolute best!
2 - Jesse
personally, I found the movie disappointing. the vocal ability of the actors was very small. The only two people that could actually keep their range were the actors behind Anthony and Toby. I found that while Johnny depp did hold his part. The emotion in his singing did not match the emotion in his acting. His singing felt like he was uncomfortable. helen Bohnam carter isn't a singer. Why can't we cast people who can sing and act. Is that really hard. They were able to do it with Hairspray.
3 - Tony
There's a DVD of the original stage play available with George Hearn and Angela Lansbury.
Film is such a completely different medium than the stage, certain things don't quite work the same in both genres. To Jesse who wishes for better singing... my view on it is that Depp was able to make up for his vocal shortcomings with his brilliant acting. Carter, for me, just didn't bring enough of either to the table. Granted, she has a lot to live up to with Lansbury and Lupone before her. But we also should think about what makes an effective movie. Hairspray has not gained as much success and popularity as this movie has... nor has Phantom and Rent which really had great singing.