Helena Bonham Carter To Star as Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd Film- Page 2

[WesternSky2]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 8:41am

I'm not surprised in the least... but really? REALLY?

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 8:47am

She can not be any worse than Patti!

[Christoph]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 9:00am

I like Depp as an actor, but had reservations about whether he could sing or not. He was dubbed for the minimal singing requirements in Cry Baby after all, but Sondheim seemed sold on him after the test. Carter is also a fine actress, but can she even sing? Has anyone heard her seriously sing anything? The only thing I am aware of is one song in the Corpse Bride in which she sounded thin, reedy and off-key. She seemed to have a very weak voice, which doesn't bode well for her being able to do justice to the score.

Posted: 10/18/06 at 9:16am

Depp and Carter will be adorable together -- perfectly suited. I'd like to see them do a production of Private Lives ten years hence. Carter's abilities should not be underestimated.

[sweetestsiren]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 9:18am

I believe I've heard that she can, in fact, sing, but I can't remember where I heard it.

Hm. I think she'll do fine and I like her as an actress, but agree that it's kind of a wasted opportunity to get someone who'd really blow everyone away. I think I'd much rather see Helena than Nicole Kidman.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 9:25am

So unhappy, considering the list of others who could play it. Nothing against Bonham Carter, I've certainly enjoyed her in other things, but I'm not holding out a lot of hope here.

[Kringas]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 9:28am

I've always liked her, and I'm looking forward to this. Of course, Sweeney's never really been one of my favorites, so the inclusion of Carter actually makes me want to see this more than I would have if someone else had gotten the role.

[musicalkid]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 9:30am

She sang abit on the corpse-bride.
but left me really really unimpressed (plus, the song was awful)

i wish they'd sticked to ONLY stage people for big musical-films, and especially this one!!!

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 9:31am

Disappointing only because of its predictability, and it was so fun imagining some of the stars who could have been wonderful in the role, particulary when we look at who else was considered.

That said - I have no idea if she can sing or not - BUT - Helena Bonham Carter is a marvelous actress. Go back and watch THE WINGS OF THE DOVE if you think she doesn't have the malice and vulnerability to pull off Mrs. Lovett.

Toni Collete is just too young for the role right now. Sondheim was adament that Lovett be older.

[Patronus]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 9:31am

While my first choices were Winslet or Streep (for what would be completely different interpretations), I don't really have a huge problem with Helena Bonham Carter being cast in the role if she can sing it. The age difference of the characters can easily be made up with special effects if the director sees fit.

Honestly, I am far more concerned about Tim Burton's directing choices making it more of a fantasy land London than I am about Bonham being able to pull off Lovett.

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 9:32am

How boring.

I do enjoy her...but Burton is getting so damn predictable with his casting now.

He had a real chance to cast a great actress in the role and, not to discredit Carter, but the opening box office numbers for this movie just plummeted.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 9:33am

"Toni Collete is just too young for the role right now. Sondheim was adament that Lovett be older."

As opposed to Helena, who is six years older, but frankly, comes off as younger?

Updated On: 10/18/06 at 09:33 AM

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 9:34am

I knew this was coming... Tim has to have his precious Helen in there somewhere...

[Patronus]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 9:37am

Exactly, Rath.

I really don't buy the "actress is too young for the roll" argument for casting a Tim Burton film. He is quite famous for using acting techniques and bizarre make up and effects to get the feel that he wants.

It wouldn't take much work to make Bonham Carter (or Collette) "age appropriate" if he wants her to be the typical Lovett age.

I believe I read somewhere that Sondheim has to sign off on all of these casting choices so that gives me more piece of mind.


Updated On: 10/18/06 at 09:37 AM

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 9:40am

6 years is 6 years. And there is no way you can get me to believe Helena Bonham Carter looks younger than Toni Collette.

[Jon]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 9:42am

She was pretty damned impressive as the witch in BIG FISH.

[mejusthavingfun]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 9:44am

She definitely looks like Lupone in the last one.

Updated On: 10/18/06 at 09:44 AM

[mejusthavingfun]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 9:44am

I just wish she was more famous. I hope he gets some more interesting people in this film. Christopher Walken better be there! Updated On: 10/18/06 at 09:44 AM

[best12bars]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 9:46am

Helena is a terrific actress. I've never heard her sing, but that puts her on a level playing field with Depp.

This will be the "can they sing it?" movie version of Sweeney.

[Ciaron McCarthy]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 9:47am

I'm in shock here. Helena is awesome!! I think she is perfect for the role. I think we are gonna see the darkest Lovett yet. She'll prob play the part like the lady in Doyle's London Sweeney (I forget her name!!). She was brilliant!!

[jsand25]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 9:49am

what a disappointment. obviously Mr. Burton played a small part in getting her the role. It just would have been nice to have someone out of the normal Burton crew. we'll see I guess...

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 9:50am

Michael, that's why I said "comes off as." Toni has seemed to be in her 40's for years now.

[best12bars]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 9:58am

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 9:59am

I bet Patti's spitting nails!

[Ciaron McCarthy]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 10:03am

I bet Patti's spitting nails!

Patti was the worst Lovett. I know that is an unpopular opinion but she was. Helena will be great. I'll take bets on it =)