Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
In theaters December 21st 2007
Rated R for graphic bloody violence
Run Time: 120 min
Matt's rating - 4
Cindy's rating - 4.5
Jenn's rating - 5
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Review by Matt Mungle
Tim Burton has a way with directing that places him in
a class all his own. The little things he adds put his
signature all over a project. If you even consider
bringing the stage musical of Sweeney Todd to the big
screen, and want it to work, there is no better man for
the task. Burton's sense of "macabre as art" is
necessary to elevate what would be a simple blood
bath with singing, into an artistic and, well, enjoyable
movie experience. Add to the mix his two favorite
ingredients, Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter
and you have the recipe for perfection. But as they say,
the proof is in the pudding or in this case the meat pie.
So does it serve up a must see film for the Holidays?
Yes, though many will decline seconds.
Sweeney Todd (Depp) is a man preoccupied with
revenge. When he returns to London to seek out the
people who tore his family apart, his bitterness turns
him into a heartless killer. A barber by trade he sets
up shop over Mrs. Lovette's (Helena Bonham Carter)
meat pie shop where the two twisted minds start a
grotesque business venture while Todd plots his
revenge. Like any unforgiveness left unchecked
Todd's festers until he is totally consumed with
vengeance. It controls him and manipulates his every
action. Yet all of this happens while everyone is
singing. Go figure.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is
based on the Broadway musical and stays true to the
genre. Ninety percent of all the dialogue comes in the
form of a song. This may hinder many from enjoying
another classic from Burton. But the songs and
performances are what make Sweeney Todd stand
out from other typical slasher stories. There is
something about the music and the singing that make
it bearable. Todd is a warped individual and many
times words sung evoke more emotion than when
simply spoken. In conjunction, the spurting blood
becomes part of the dance. It adds flavor and color to
the mix.
Depp has proven himself through out his career as a
character actor who creates personable roles. Like
Burton, Depp has a way of endearing you to the most
detestable persons. Here he has to do that while
singing. And he pulls it off. At first it was a little odd. It
took me a few scenes to warm up to the crooning
Depp. But once I knew he was serious I took him
serious and was onboard the rest of the way through.
Even better was Helena Bonham. Carter was amazing
and combines vocal depth with comfortable character
creation. You forget she is singing as her movements
and delivery is smooth and fluid. She isn't acting and
then singing. It is seamless in its transitions. The two
combine to make the musical to movie transformation
succeed. Not an easy task.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is
rated R for graphic bloody violence. All three of those
words are prominent in this film. We aren't talking
Hairspray here. This film is dark and sinister and
graphic. The imagery is as powerful as the music and
lyrics. It is an important element to the feel of the film.
This is not one for the squeamish. Other than that the
film is tame on all fronts. You will find no adult
language save for a couple of very mild expletives.
Fans of Depp will enjoy this new endeavor and Burton
followers will not walk away feeling slighted. The only
issue you have to deal with is the singing. If you hate
musicals then you will not enjoy this. You can't
overlook the singing. You can't put it aside and rely on
the remaining parts to sustain you.
As much as I enjoyed this film and recommend it for
fans of the Broadway version or musicals in general, I
am not sure I would see it again. I loved every moment
of the experience and I may change my mind later but
for now I am satisfied with the single sampling. I give
Todd 4 out of 5 thumb nails.
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Matt and Cindy are members of the North Texas
Film
Critics Association (NTFCA). For additional
reviews
and interview clips visit the website.
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Mungleshow Productions
Matt Mungle
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