A Little Priest- New extended Sweeney Todd clip — Page 3

"I don't share your opinion. Saw the film twice now, and still think she's smashing. Sorry. And you won't silence me from saying so."

I'm not trying to silence you. And I don't give a care if you share my opinion. You're utterly free to your opinion. But you're going around acting all superior because you like it. Liking her singing doesn't make you a better person than me.

> But you're going around acting all superior because you like it. Liking her singing doesn't make you a better person than me.<

That's not what I'm saying. I'm as much a Sweeney Todd purist as anyone. Seeing Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou in the original production was a life-altering experience. I've greatly enjoyed Beth Fowler, Patti Lupone and many of the regional Lovetts I've seen. I was skeptical when I heard Helena Bonham Carter was doing the film. But I was very taken with her performance. It is not due to the vocals, which ARE thin and light. However, in the film, it is not a detriment. It works with her world weary, beaten down take on the character. Perhaps the full film will not make a convert of you, but to characterize her work as "bad" is just too casual and dismissive.

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Oh, so it all comes across better onscreen? Good, I was hoping so! Thanks for assuring me. I won't pronounce my final judgment until I've seen the movie.

Am I the only one who thinks that this scene should be... brighter? It's the only time in the show (I think, anyway) where Sweeney is genuinely happy. I would have brightened it up a bit because it's such a joyous occassion for him. Which is really sad, when you think about it.

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Updated On: 12/9/07 at 06:37 PM

The best HBC quote thus far; from Entertainment Weekly's B+ review dated 12/12/07:

"As for Mrs. Lovett, she truly is a woman of 'limited wind,' as Sondheim describes her and Bonham Carter sings her in a thin, breathy voice — it's difficult to believe that this particular bloody wonder can lift a rolling pin, let alone crank the handle on her hellish meat-grinding machinery."

I know this is sooooo beating a dead horse, but I thought it was REALLY funny.

I really adored Helena Bonham Carter in this, thought she came across better than Johnny did (the score did hurt a little in places where a bigger voice was required). Her vocals are utterly in synch with her character, a completely reimagined and sort of heart breaking Mrs. Lovett.

Let me say I was incredibly skeptical about Helena and came away totally converted. It's a terrific performance and her vocals are very enjoyable. This may not be the Sweeney Todd that will wear out your CD player but it makes a fine movie.

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And we all know Sweeney isn't campy at all.

having seen the film I think HBC is the weakest link in the chain.
And it has nothing to do with her singing.

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Updated On: 12/15/07 at 09:57 PM

Isn't Mrs. Lovett supposed to be the same age or older than Sweeney? I don't know their real ages, but HBC looks a lot younger than Johnny Depp. And as for the voice debate, yes I think her sound is the opposite of what I'd ever expect for that character. But maybe she's brilliant....I'll have to see the whole thing to make that judgement. But from what I've seen I don't know if I'm going to like her.