Helena Bonham Carter To Star as Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd Film- Page 6

[MrMidwest]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 12:03pm

I can understand the argument that the show is already preserved, but unless the changes Burton chooses to make are to form the movie into a specific artistic vision that he believes will work for a movie, I kind of wish he would either not remove that much of the music or just do a non-musical version. I bet it will be a fascinating film to watch, however it turns out, though.

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 12:04pm

I just used the casting of Madonna as a disappointment fulfilled for me, MB, but you are right. There were alot of right things in the film, but the slowed down tempos and lowered keys didnt work for me, and the acting was terrible (sorry, M fans.)

And the point I am trying to make is that the medium is tough, and those films you mention were terrible.

I dont want another Night Music on our hands. Sondheim deserves better.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 12:13pm

Well, I'm not a huge Tim Burton fan, but he has a strong visual style and film asthetic, which is what you need for a movie of SWEENEY TODD.

I was more intrigued by some of the rumoured casting decisions when Sam Mendes was attached, but you could just as easily speculate that his movie treatment could have ended up too literal or passive (like THE ROAD TO PERDITION).

Burton will certainly do something interesting with the material. Whether it will make a *good* or *right* version of Sondheim's musical remains to be seen.

[mejusthavingfun]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 12:17pm

I hope they cast Alanis Morrisette as Elphaba in the Wicked movie. LOL

[Wildcard]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 12:20pm

I think Madonna was fantastic as Evita and I do agree with Michael Bennett that the problem with the film was Alan Parker's direction. He had brilliant moments in it as well as bad ones (such as cutting away from your lead just as she sings "Don't Cry for Me Argentina". The film's narrative should've have also been fleshed out but we have ALW to blame for that since he didn't want too many changes to his baby.

Likewise, we know Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick can be good actors but Stro's direction in The Producers film was wrong for the medium.

That said, in an interview I saw with Danny Elfman, he mentioned that when an artist finds people he can collaborate with and share the same vision, you stick with those people. He was talking about Tim Burton ofcourse. And while Helena being cast as Mrs. Lovett is a tad disappointing (probably bec. she has been a quirky actress), she is still a good actress with a good track record. I for one can't wait to see her in Harry Potter (but that's another story).

I think Tim Burton is the right man for this property. It's right up his alley yet different enough that he can try something different from his past films (which hopefully, he'll do). I don't really care if Sweeney merchandise makes it to Hot Topic. I can only wish that other Broadway musicals can get as much exposure. It sure would make it easier to get "Spamalot" action figures or "Light in the Piazza" nightlights if that was the case.

Other than that, I'm excited to see this movie. Sure, it can be totally screwed up like a few of the recent movie musicals. But he can also surprise us and come up with a gem (besides, die-hard Broadway fans will never be happy with any movie adaptation anyway).

[Ciaron McCarthy]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 12:20pm

I hope it takes as long to make the "Wicked" film as it has for "Sweeney"!!

[broadway86]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 12:57pm

She'll be good, but I'm so disappointed. Some of the rumors (Streep, Staunton, Lauper) were unbearably tantalizing, and who do we get? The person who we should have expected in the first place!

[Muhlethaler]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 1:03pm

Helena Bonham Carter Wants To Be In A Musical

6 September 2001 (WENN)

English rose Helena Bonham Carter has aired hopes of a part in a musical, after revealing singing ambitions. The Planet Of The Apes star, usually cast in period drama, has proved her flexibility with her characterisation of the main ape Ari - leading to reports of a sequel. Helena says, "I'd love the chance to act and sing at the same time. A role in one of the classic musicals would be great. I'm always singing to myself, and not just in the bath."

Suspicious.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 1:04pm

I actually liked Madonna in EVITA (the ONLY time I liked her in a movie)

[best12bars]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 1:08pm

With certain high-profile stars there would be a curiosity factor that would add to the appeal of seeing this "strange" film, from a general public's perspective. It will certainly be there withe Depp. The general public might consider going just to see if he can sing.

But would they care enough to buy a ticket to see if Bonham Carter can sing? No.

That's why I was thinking they would go with more of a box office name. They are going to have to dance in all sorts of directions with "dangling little carrots" to get mainstream movie audiences interested in buying a ticket.

[DG]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 1:13pm

Best - my fear along those lines is that they beef up the horror/gore aspect of it - as that certainly seems to be something people respond to.

[Ciaron McCarthy]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 1:15pm

Who the hell cares about the box office. To be honest I would rather have 1 really amazing movie musical made a year than 40 horrible ones.

"Chicago" was "eh". Phantom, Producers and RENT were so awful I could cry!!

The only good movie musical in the past 20 years (IMO) has been Lars Von Triers "Dancer in the Dark". NOBODY saw that movie. It made no money but it was quality.

People keep saying things like "Oh Dreamgirls better be good or hollywood wont make anymore musicals". I say "WHO CARES"??

Again, I'd take one "Dancer in the Dark" over any of the crap that has been tossed at us.

I want the upcoming Sweeney to be as close to Sondheims vision as it can. If that means casting people that are not "stars" (btw Johnny Depp is the hottest actor in Hollywood) so be it. As long as the film works.
Updated On: 10/18/06 at 01:15 PM

[MTVMANN]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 1:20pm

Not Suprised at all that she is in the film, but I would have much prefered her as the beggar woman.

[mateo]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 1:22pm

I love Helena. I'm ok with it.

It will be a different Sweeney- you must keep that in mind.



I am suprised the role didn't go to Catherine O'Hara.

[WalkOn]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 1:26pm

Good luck to them.

[WalkOn]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 1:26pm

Good luck to them.

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 1:35pm

An "e" in awful makes ME cry!

[MTVMANN]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 1:41pm

Is this film still going to be a Musical?

[Ciaron McCarthy]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 1:43pm

"An "e" in awful makes ME cry!"

Really? Sounds like someone needs a life.

[best12bars]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 1:45pm

"Who the hell cares about the box office. To be honest I would rather have 1 really amazing movie musical made a year than 40 horrible ones."



Boy, CM, would you feel that way if it was your money backing the film?

Glad you're not a producer or a studio exec!

"Let's just make it really good (which is a relative statement to begin with), and I don't care if I lose all my money in the process."

[Ciaron McCarthy]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 1:46pm

It's not all about money. What happened to quality?

[Pippin]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 1:48pm

Ciaron- I agree with you, and it would be lovely if it wasn't about money, but it always has been, and always will be. the bonus is when quality happens to creep in.

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 1:48pm

Quality is dependant on the quantity of money.

[Kringas]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 1:56pm

"Dancer in the Dark" made me want to pluck out my eyes and stuff them in my ears.

[Ciaron McCarthy]

Posted: 10/18/06 at 2:04pm

"Dancer in the Dark" made me want to pluck out my eyes and stuff them in my ears."

HAHA A lot of people did not like it. Let's not forget that most of these films make their money back thanks to DVD sales/rentals.