An early review, Sweeney Todd opens Dec 21st.Tim Burton reunites with Johnny Depp for this adaptation of Sondheim's macabre musical. Make no mistake, this is a musical, one of which I've never seen done like this.
There is blood. Lots of graphic violence and geysers of blood. Did I mention that there's blood? The good thing is that the first killing is just so graphic, but it sets the rules for what we are going to see. Also, the violence and blood itself is so removed from reality and over the top that you don't become offended.
A young man with a wife and daughter is sent to prison unjustly by a crazy judge for fifteen years. After 15 years of hard time, he comes out, changes his name to Sweeney Todd and returns to London for revenge. He meets up with a terrible baker (Helena Bonham Carter) and begins his quest to kill the judge. In doing so, he offs plenty of victims and the baker turns their meat into the meat pies that have become the toast of the town.
The film itself looks like a black and white film shot on colour. Dariusz Wolski has such a drab colour palette that the few bright instances of colour become extremely beautiful. The songs are wonderfully bleak and catchy. Johnny Depp and Carter sing their parts wonderfully. Perhaps not great singers, but they sound like the characters singing, which adds a sense of realism not heard on a lot of other musicals.
Sacha Baron Cohen even shows up and has a funny supporting character role. Alan Rickman and Jayne Wisener (newcomer) play their characters with such enthusiasm, it's clear they are having fun. Of course Johnny Depp is able to summon both Edward Scissorhands and Pirate Jack Sparrow to create a wholly original but real character.
Definitely one of the best of the year.
Tim Burton and Johnny Depp (who looked homeless) came for the Q&A and spoke so passionately about the experience. It's nice to see mega-stars actually have something important to say.
No comments:
Post a Comment