Day 3: Sweeney Todd

I love many things when it comes to films.  And three of those things happen to be musicals, Tim Burton visuals, and Johnny Depp. 

Although being an actual fan of the original stage production that Tim Burton's Sweeney Todd is based upon, there was really no doubt in my mind from the beginning of how perfect a marriage this film would be, based on the content and the creative team involved.  The gothic and macabre overtones that fill the Sondheim musical match perfectly with Burton's penchant for bleak, yet artistic visuals, and admittedly dark thematic history.   

The performances, while not performed by professional vocalists, was still top-notch.

Johnny Depp slides easily to Sweeney's shoes, and while not the most polished vocals ever heard, his rawness and natural vocal ability shines here, especially during the haunting "My Friends" and the amazing "Epiphany."

Helena Bonham Carter pulls off a wonderful Ms. Lovett.  While her vocals do tend to leave a little to be desired, there is no denying that her performance is spot-on, and she perfectly captures the characters sanity-challenged view in the world.

Also notable were Alan Rickman (Snape!) and Timothy Spall (Wormtail!), who both turn in surprising performances and Judge Turpin and Beadle Bamford.  Newcomers Jamie Campbell Bower  and Ed Sanders both pull off amazing vocals as Athony and Toby.  And the scene stealer of the film has to belong to Sacha Baron Cohen as Perelli, who's vocal prowess was particularly surprising.  Don't blink after the shaving contest, and you'll catch of glimpse of the always remarkable Anthony Stewart Head (Giles!), who sadly was unable to film his singing role due to scheduling conflicts within the production.  

Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter in Tim Burton's Sweeny Todd

The music, originally written by Stephen Sondheim, holds up surprisingly well, even with shortened versions of some songs, that were used to lower the running time.

If you end up loving the film, do yourself a service and buy the soundtrack, or look for the orginal PBS filmed stage production starring Angela Lansbury and George Hearn.

As always, feel free to use the following links to purchase your own copy on DVD or BluRay, or add the film to your Netflix list.  For a preview, check out the trailer in HD below.