SWEENY TODD

Cast: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Sacha Baron Cohen, Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall, Anthony Head

Directed By: Tim Burton
Written By: John Logan
Based On The Musical by: Stephen Sondheim & Hugh Wheeler
Musical Adaptation By: Christopher Bond
Cinematography By: Dariusz Wolski
Editor: Chris Lebenzon
Production Design: Dante Ferreti
Costume Design: Colleen Atwood


For a film that had been in development for almost 25 years ever since the broadway show premiered I was expecting a spectacle. I was not disappointed. I really wanted to love this the sixth collaboration between Director tim burton and Johnny depp. With the added bonus after a candy colored kids of them going back to a bleek story a musical none the less. I don’t even care that it’s a musical. I’m not a musical hater far from it. But I am also not a musical lover it depends on my mood. But generally I’m indifferent all that matters is that it is done well.

I liked this film I have to say the production design and art direction are sublime. almost delicious. But if that is how you start off a review and it’s the thing I give my highest compliments to you know there is a problem.

When it comes to the music I liked it but no songs really stood out at all. I didn’t have a favorite. The songs all seem to gel. The actors were up for it singing in there own voices. Johnny Depp is good as always he doesn’t seem to throw himself into this role as much as he has others in the past but Helena Bonham carter is more then up for the challenge and looks spectacular and sexy in this film. It makes you wish she would work more maybe apart form her husband. The director Mr. Burton! I was also impressed by the child actor ed sanders. He gave a great three dimensional performance as toby. Mrs. Lovett’s unknowing assistant. it was hard to believe this was his first movie

Considering the material Tim Burton directing this was a natural choice and he really excels here. This is his most dramatically satisfying film since “big fish” the gore and violence is something really new for him. The darkness and grittiness is not. His previous films were more like goth fantasies. He makes old England seems storybook like. Which is another one of his talents he brings to all of his films. I don’t want to sound ungrateful because I feel like Tim Burton really came into his own with this movie he showed growth and assurance with this film

The main concern I have with this film is I liked it but I didn’t love it like I thought I would for the most part I was indifferent watching this. All the pieces were there but it didn’t come together enough for me. I still can’t pinpoint it.

It’s a tragedy of a story that has been done many times on broadway. The story is refreshing. It is the tale of a barber who is locked up by a corrupt judge who wants to steal his wife after he sends Mr. Todd away on false charges he tries to seduce his wife then rapes her she commits suicide and no one saved her. She left behind their daughter who is being raised by the judge. Who plans to marry her soon as she becomes of age but she falls in love with a drifter who Sweeny Todd met on the boat back to his hometown. Now Mr. Todd swears revenge on the judge and kills anyone who steps into his shop. He is driven mad with revenge.

This film is more like a good rental I don’t think I would suggest buying it unless you are a really big tim burton fan or a fan of the musical or musicals in general. I would also suggest only owning it when it goes on sale maybe previously viewed

GRADE: B