Song and a Haircut

Truthfully, I went into Sweeney Todd not expecting the greatest reaction. I'm not the biggest Sondheim fan, nor would I call myself an enthusiast of bloody tragedies. Entering the cinema my Sweeney knowledge consisted of a murderous barber who uses victims as the main ingredient in meat pies. I left pleasantly surprised. Delighted that such a beloved stage musical was successfully adapted for the screen, with some of the greatest creative minds of our time in front of, and behind the camera.

Once again Johnny Depp has generated another outstanding performance. While we have all seen him as the sad, tormented soul (Edward Scissorhands), I don't believe that I have seen him so angry before. While Depp lets you watch Sweeney's anger grow, he allows it to build up inside, erupting during the finale. His largest flaw was that once I found him looking a little too much like Edward Scissorhands, and once sounding too much like Captain Jack Sparrow. But that's where pale make-up and a British accent will land you. Vocally, Depp did a wonderful job. I found him to be at his best when holding notes, rather than talking-fast-singing. My most annoyed moment (which can also be seen in the trailer), "... You sir. Too sir. Welcome to the grave. I will have vengeance. I will have salvation ..." Dumb.  Sounds like he's trying too hard. Luckily, it's the only line like it in the score.

Helena Bonham Carter was charming as Mrs. Lovett. Bringing motherly tenderness to contrast against Sweeney's furry. I read that she hand to endure rigorous vocal training, but it paid off coming across as a natural singer. Jamie Campbell Bower (Anthony Hope) and Ed Sanders (Toby) were both break out actors. JCB was a beautifully emotional actor. While, Sanders fought for the spotlight, holding his own against Sacha Baron Cohen, Depp and Carter. It was a relief to see Baron Cohen in a role he did not create. I thought Pirelli would be a larger character, Cohen brought humor, flamboyance, and made you forget about Borat. I had the pleasure of seeing Laura Michelle Kelly as Mary Poppins in London's West End, which provided a beautiful showcase for her talent, while in Todd she was barely visible beneath her wig, AND I don't remember her having the chance to sing! Otherwise, good for her being in a major motion picture!

Tim Burton created a wonderful setting for the story, with spot on artistic direction. Burton's use of an unnaturally red blood takes some getting used to, but becomes another creative choice, adding to the fantasy of the picture,  as well as standing out against the gloomy backdrop (as it does in the poster art). I also enjoyed his sporadic use of odd camera angles. He did a wonderful job adapting a Sondheim classic while creating another Burton classic at the same time. B+

-M