WEBmikey: Sweeney Todd / The Demon Barber of Fleet Street : 3 of 5

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Sweeney Todd / The Demon Barber of Fleet Street : 3 of 5
1.06.2008 12:03 PM \| Link	News flash! Fake blood shortage in Hollywood! That's what I figured the headlines would say after seeing Sweeney Todd, which is the bloodiest film I've seen in a long time! I've seen this Stephen Sondheim musical on stage two or three times, and I've always enjoyed the amazing music and dark comedy. Of course, the plot is gruesome, but it's handled with a light touch when performed live. This is definitely not the case with Tim Burton's film - this version shows all the terror and gruesomeness in great detail, so when the movie's over, I really felt drained from the spectacle! However, this is still a fantastic film, and does an incredible job of highlighting both the actor's talents and Sondheim's music. Johnny Depp does a great job of truly acting while singing, and Helena Bonham Carter is also wonderful showing her totally twisted love for Sweeney. Tim Burton goes all out with his favorite grey palette, so much that when the screen brightens up with color for flashback and dream sequences, it's like flipping on a light in a dark room. Seeing this familiar musical in this new interpretation really makes me appreciate the genre, since while there is certainly more singing than talking, it felt exactly like watching a masterful horror film (though of course the heightened emotions in the music add to the tension). I missed the opening theme song, but I can see why it was removed to tell the story Burton wanted to get across. If you enjoy the original musical, or happen to be a fan of blood baths, I definitely recommend Sweeney Todd (but you might want to watch a few cartoons before you go to bed like I did!). Labels: movies


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