I love the look. I love what I've heard of the additional (and now nessecary) dialogue and scenes. I love the orchestrations. I love everyone's acting.
It's just...damnit.
I'm still not a fan of Depp's vocals and, geez, Carter? Anyone who's watched the Behind the Scenes footage might take care to notice that the odd editing and repetition of certain sections focuses around a lot of Mrs. Lovett's lines/lyrics and often stops right before a (traditionally) belted note. (This makes me hope/think that they may be trying to re-record some of her singing? I dunno.) She sounds so squeaky and strained at times... I understand the draw of these actors and the need for a piece like this to have as much drawing power as possible, but at the sacrafice of turning her role into a showcase of her inabilities as a singer? It's like listening to a junior high recital performance. Which speaks to me as a lack of confidence. Acting-wise, appears she'll do a fine job, as she usually does, but she's no Depp - not capable of acting through it, and even he appears to struggle with it. And then there's of course all the eliminated harmonies. Of course, anyone not familiar with the stage score probably won't notice changes as much as others, but I just think so much is taken away from the role when you make Lovett contained, especially vocally.
Of course, these are only brief clips.
Sondheim seems to approve as well, which is a strong confidence builder for me. Of course, why would he knock it? It's the biggest paycheck he's probably ever going to see. Unless Burton wants to tackle Pacific Overtures....WITH JOHNNY DEPP!
I jest.
Overall I'm still super excited to see it and will probably still be one of the first in line opening day, and will squeel and laugh at all my favorite lines with the delight of a child on Christmas morn. I just feel like it's going to be yet another movie where I walk out distraught that it could have been a world better with one or two different casting decisions. Prove me wrong, cast and crew.
