Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd.Why are you sitting there reading this review among many others when you should be in the theater watching Depp becoming Sweeney!! If you are familiar with the musical and know how dark it is, run don't walk to your nearest theater. It is well worth seeing there unless you are possessed of very large digital reception, a great surround sound system and are willing to wait for the video while everyone around you is talking about something you haven't yet seen.
His skin was pale and his eye was odd.
He shaved the faces of gentlemen
Who never thereafter were heard of again.
He trod a path that few have trod,
Did Sweeney Todd,
The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
He kept a shop in London town,
Of fancy clients and good renown.
And what if none of their souls were saved?
They went to their maker impeccably shaved
By Sweeney,
By Sweeney Todd,
The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
If you aren't familiar with the story, have someone tell it to you before you go. The blood is really flying and Depp makes you see Sweeney's madness while still making him sympathetic.
Helena Bonham Carter is an excellent Mrs. Lovett and the Tim Burton direction and camera work are astounding. The scenery becomes another character adding to the mood.
Normally I really like Rickman, but he seems a bit miscast as Judge Turpin. He's just not quite predatory enough. They have minimized the Johanna secondary story and removed some of her mother's mad presence except at the end. The music is good. If you have seen the musical live, you might miss some of the power because while all the actors have adquate, pleasant voices, they don't have the range and strength.
All in all, I had a great time and just may go back for a second swipe of the blades.
