Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

One of my favorite directors is Tim Burton. I think he has a creativity that is unmatched in Hollywood these days. He’s daring, he’s artistic, and his movies are always boiling with stunning cinematography, terrific character development and great storylines. With all this, it should be no surprise that when I learned of his latest film, that I rushed to see it opening night in hopes that it would live up to all I expect from a Burton film. Let’s just say I got what I hoped for.

Burton’s latest film, “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” is based on the Broadway musical and once again, pairs the director with the terrific Johnny Depp. Depp plays Sweeney Todd, a lowly barber who was unjustly arrested so the judge could steal away his wife. The movie begins fifteen years later after Todd is released and he sets out to get revenge on the judge in attempts to get back his wife and daughter. Todd recruits the help of a poor meet pie shop owner, Ms. Lovett played amazingly by Burton’s leading lady Helena Bonham Carter. I previously thought Carter’s best performance was her character in the delightful Big Fish, but her role in Sweeney Todd could very well surpass that.

What few realize, I think, is the fact that Sweeney Todd is, indeed, a musical. There was actually very little spoken dialog as most of the movie was sung. This works wonderfully with the tone of the movie giving it an epic feel. The acting was top notch, as well. I thought Johnny Depp seemed to be totally engulfed in his role and seemingly every other actor did the same.
You can’t talk about the movie without mentioning the touch Burton put on it. First of all, I love the style of his movies and he has that certain look that is very dark and unique and seems to work in all of his films. One thing I think he’s mastered is how he portrays the slums or run-down parts of towns. Many of his movies take place in poor neighborhoods (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride) and he brings this idea forward yet still makes it beautiful. Even though it’s run down and broken, he still makes it incredibly appealing to look at. I think Tim Burton is a genius when it comes to visuals in his movies.

Overall, I was extremely pleased with Sweeney Todd. I think it showed Burton at his best and I’m further convinced that he and Johnny Depp make for a perfect team. If you can live with watching a lot of blood, I would highly recommend this movie despite its overly dark tones. Definitely a pleasant surprise for box office.