Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Director: Tim Burton
Cast:
Johnny Depp ... Sweeney Todd
Helena Bonham Carter ... Mrs. Lovett
Alan Rickman ... Judge Turpin
Timothy Spall ... Beadle Bamford
Sacha Baron Cohen ... Signor Adolfo Pirelli
Jamie Campbell Bower ... Anthony Hope
Laura Michelle Kelly ... Lucy / Beggar Woman
Jayne Wisener ... Johanna
Ed Sanders ... Toby
Released: December 21, 2007
Synopsis:
A barber, falsely imprisoned for 15 years, returns to London to exact his revenge on those responsible. Upon setting up residence on Fleet Street above Mrs. Lovett’s bakery, Sweeny Todd is further enraged when he learns the fate of his family he was forced to leave behind. Mrs. Lovett quickly recognizes a mutual benefit in Mr. Todd’s homicidal habits. Soon, a plot is in play to trap Judge Turpin enabling Sweeney Todd to reintroduce himself and his “friends.”
Reaction:
Tim Burton has crafted his finest work in years. This movie succeeds on almost every level. As a musical, the songs are lively and memorable and exceptionally well played. As a gothic horror, the setting is dark and dreary and the gore is plentiful and red. As with most Burton films, the cinematography permeates with atmosphere and mood. However, while there are moments of tension, the movie lacks an appropriate amount of suspense for its like.
As for the cast, Johnny Depp is magnificent as Sweeney Todd. He manages to restrain much of his typical ticks and brings the barber an endearing amount of pathos and pain. His motivations and character arc is clear and focused. Helena Bonham Carter surprises as Mrs. Lovett. Her performance grounds the story. When she needs to decide between her love for Sweeney Todd and her love for young Toby, you feel her pain and regret. She deserves to be recognized for her performance. Alan Rickman does not disappoint as Judge Turpin. He delivers one of the most despicable and shady performances possible. However, it is Ed Saunders as Toby who made an incredibly strong and lasting impression. He is able to handle scenes easily on his own and against heavyweights such as Depp and Carter – no easy feat. Again, the scene between him and Mrs. Lovett where he swears his loyalty and love is a heartfelt and heartbreaking as they come.
This is a masterpiece of cinema. I recommend it strongly.
Director: Tim Burton
Cast:
Johnny Depp ... Sweeney Todd
Helena Bonham Carter ... Mrs. Lovett
Alan Rickman ... Judge Turpin
Timothy Spall ... Beadle Bamford
Sacha Baron Cohen ... Signor Adolfo Pirelli
Jamie Campbell Bower ... Anthony Hope
Laura Michelle Kelly ... Lucy / Beggar Woman
Jayne Wisener ... Johanna
Ed Sanders ... Toby
Released: December 21, 2007
Synopsis:A barber, falsely imprisoned for 15 years, returns to London to exact his revenge on those responsible. Upon setting up residence on Fleet Street above Mrs. Lovett’s bakery, Sweeny Todd is further enraged when he learns the fate of his family he was forced to leave behind. Mrs. Lovett quickly recognizes a mutual benefit in Mr. Todd’s homicidal habits. Soon, a plot is in play to trap Judge Turpin enabling Sweeney Todd to reintroduce himself and his “friends.”
Reaction:
Tim Burton has crafted his finest work in years. This movie succeeds on almost every level. As a musical, the songs are lively and memorable and exceptionally well played. As a gothic horror, the setting is dark and dreary and the gore is plentiful and red. As with most Burton films, the cinematography permeates with atmosphere and mood. However, while there are moments of tension, the movie lacks an appropriate amount of suspense for its like.
As for the cast, Johnny Depp is magnificent as Sweeney Todd. He manages to restrain much of his typical ticks and brings the barber an endearing amount of pathos and pain. His motivations and character arc is clear and focused. Helena Bonham Carter surprises as Mrs. Lovett. Her performance grounds the story. When she needs to decide between her love for Sweeney Todd and her love for young Toby, you feel her pain and regret. She deserves to be recognized for her performance. Alan Rickman does not disappoint as Judge Turpin. He delivers one of the most despicable and shady performances possible. However, it is Ed Saunders as Toby who made an incredibly strong and lasting impression. He is able to handle scenes easily on his own and against heavyweights such as Depp and Carter – no easy feat. Again, the scene between him and Mrs. Lovett where he swears his loyalty and love is a heartfelt and heartbreaking as they come.
This is a masterpiece of cinema. I recommend it strongly.
