Sweeney Todd was received favorably by critics.
I understand the need to adapt, and make the original subject matter cinematic.
Sweeney Todd, visually, was glorious. Tim Burton was the perfect choice for director. I could have done without Carter’s low-energy rendition of “Worst Pies,” (especially when her predecessor came out on that stage on fire, and “Worst Pies” is the song that really kicks off the show, IMO) but other than that, I walked away from the film pretty happy. Depp and Carter had good chemistry. Which I don’t I think would have happened if one of the other ladies up for the part had been cast (names flung around at the time were everyone from Meryl Streep to Annette Bening to even Barbra Streisand).
Also hearing that score, recorded by a full symphonic orchestra, blare out those first notes to “SWING YOUR RAZOR HIGH” was a thrill that sent shivers down my spine.
But, aside, if anyone has any further information as to why “Worst Pies” was downplayed, I would certainly like to hear it. I think Carter could have done it justice, but it seemed as if she was directed to under play for fear of being too over the top.
Anyway, back to Woods-
I don’t personally think just because I’m considered a “die hard” of the show (whatever that is supposed to mean) I’m not entitled to an opinion, or that I'm some how "lucky" the film is even being made. Who was screaming for a "definitive" (gag, barff) film version anyway?
I’ve been involved with three different and reputable productions of Into the Woods in summer stock. Played Jack all three times. If there’s a next time I hope I’m up for a different part, but that's a different story. Jack is my type, I’ll probably be playing him till I’m 40. My point is, the show gets done a lot, and while I’m not an expert on Into The Woods, its certainly a show I have spent a lot of time with.
The second act does lag a bit, IMO. The second time I did Into the Woods the director thought so as well, and had us speed through it twice and then we slowed it down to a rather quick pace but still manageable enough for the audience. He made us mindful of self indulgent pauses, and the show moved faster. I personally thought this helped a lot. So I get why they cut “No More” for the movie. Some adjustments had to be made.
I remember when first saw the original taped production in choir, in the sixth grade. The show blew my sixth grade mind. So smart. So witty. Just incredible. I got so much from it, and the show is about a lot of things, but one of the first things that hit me was that this show seemed to be a subtle and nuanced “fu*k you” to Disney (and society really) for screwing up the original Grimms’ Fairy Tales and fables, and giving them glossed-over happy hollywood endings. People die, people commit infidelity, every thing doesn’t always end happily ever after, these are the facts of life, and unavoidable truths we are forced to face as we grow older.
Anyway, when you start making changes, even small ones which these publicized changes are, the whole thing (the message, the story, everything) starts to unravel, and you’re left with a rather moot point. At what point does it become enough?
But by all means, make the film more pleasing for Uncle Bob, Aunt Phyllis and the kids down from Wisconsin for the holidays. The problem is, they were never going to see it anyway, and its us “die hards” who were actually going to schlep ourselves to the theaters to see this on Christmas day.
If you continually put watered down kool-aide in front of Uncle Bob and Aunt Phyllis who don't know any better, (which Rob Marshall seems to like to do), that's what they'll come to expect. And that to me, is not okay.
. . . Okay, I’ll still be there. Only time will tell, and I hope they have found a way to hit all the right moments even with the changes. But I’m glad the original production was taped and edited beautifully so we always have it.
Updated On: 6/20/14 at 04:42 PM
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