Publicity
Stills of "Sweeney Todd"
(Courtesy from Warner Bros)
THE
STYLE OF SWEENEY TODD:
WHY
SWEENEY TODD?
Genre:
Musical/Thriller Director: Tim Burton Cast: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter,
Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall, Jamie Campbell Bower, Jayne Wisener,
Sacha Baron Cohen RunTime:
1 hr 57 mins Released By: Warner Bros Rating: M18 (Violence) Official Website:www.sweeneytoddmovie.com/
Johnny Depp and Tim Burton join forces again in a big-screen
adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's award-winning musical thriller
"Sweeney Todd." Depp stars in the title role as
a man unjustly sent to prison who vows revenge, not only for
that cruel punishment, but for the devastating consequences
of what happened to his wife and daughter. When he returns
to reopen his barber shop, Sweeney Todd becomes the Demon
Barber of Fleet Street who "shaved the heads of gentlemen
who never thereafter were heard from again." Joining
Depp is Helena Bonham Carter as Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney's amorous
accomplice, who creates diabolical meat pies. The cast also
includes Alan Rickman, who portrays the evil Judge Turpin,
who sends Sweeney to prison and Timothy Spall as the Judge's
wicked associate Beadle Bamford and Sacha Baron Cohen is a
rival barber, the flamboyant Signor Adolfo Pirelli.
Movie Review:
Everyone loves Oscar-nominated actor Johnny Depp for the quirky
roles he plays. Everyone loves Oscar-nominated director Tim
Burton for the uniquely interesting movies he makes. So when
the two come together for the sixth time for a movie musical
based on a hit Broadway musical, you can be sure everyone
will love it as well. This time, the sure-win combination
of the director-actor brings us to a world so sinister and
dark, you may just feel chills running down your spine before
clapping your hands in glee at the well-made movie.
Depp
puts away Captain Jack Sparrow’s pirate hat to play
Sweeney Todd, the “Demon Barber of Fleet Street”,
who has returned to London after being locked up for a crime
he did not commit. With nothing but revenge on his mind, he
goes on an insane killing rampage with aid from pie-maker
Mrs. Lovett (an equally creepy but fun character played Helena
Bonham Carter, who is engaged to and also often featured in
Burton’s movies).
Hairspray
and High School Musical this is not, so do not expect cheery
tunes to liven up your evening. Instead, Depp sorrowfully
sings that razors are “my friends” before proudly
holding one in the air and proclaiming that “my arm
is complete again”. He also angrily sings that “we
all deserve to die” before slicing open his customers’
throats. Meanwhile, Carter sings that she makes “the
worst pies in London” in a disgusting yet amusing introduction,
and that she wishes to live with the serial killer “by
the sea” during the 117-minute movie’s most tackily
colorful and delightfully bizarre music sequence.
While
not all songs from Stephen Sondheim’s original musical
are featured in the movie, they are engaging enough to keep
you entertained throughout. There are even some touching moments
amplified by the song’s dramatic music arrangement and
lyrics. You may just feel the protagonists’ pain and
anguish, if you are adaptable to the over-the-top and drastic
emotional ups and downs of the characters
The
movie is shrouded in a dark hue of grey, which is nicely contrasted
with the poor victims’ richly colored red blood. The
signature peculiar yet wacky feel is Burton’s signature,
and this distinctive look has earned the movie a nomination
in the best art direction category, together with two other
nominations in the best costume design and best actor categories.
While we reckon that the Academy isn’t ready to award
Depp for this oddball role (he’d probably take home
that golden statuette after a few more nominations), his performance
is still an enjoyable one (come to think of it, when has anyone
not enjoyed his performances?) Besides, he has already clinched
the Best Actor (Musical or Comedy) trophy at the recent Golden
Globes – that’s recognition for a start.
Also,
watch out for funnyman Sacha Baron Cohen as a rival barber.
The talented comedian-actor shows us that he is as brilliant
even he only shows up for a couple of minutes. Known for his
alter egos Borat and Ali G, the Englishman is a scene-stealer
in this movie – you will chuckle in hilarity whenever
he appears on screen with his puffy poodle hairdo and his
ridiculously comical moustache.
Those
with weak stomachs may not like the way violence is used in
this movie (M18 rating – check), but fans will tell
you it is just another form of art. Besides, the movie boasts
of Depp and Burton – how can anyone not love it?
Movie Rating:
(Do not miss this dark and compelling movie – or Sweeney
Todd will come after you with his razor blades)
