Sweeney Todd Movie Review Thread- Page 12

Posted: 12/23/07 at 8:20pm

Either way...it wouldn't have worked in the movie. Maybe if it was filmed 25 years ago or so.
Updated On: 12/23/07 at 08:20 PM

Posted: 12/23/07 at 8:21pm

Oh wait, everyone would still be bitching. You people will never be happy. Period.

gosh, i didnt notice anyone "bitching", just sharing their thoughts.

i think everyone here wants the film to be a success, which it surely is, with or without our reservations.

[roquat]

Posted: 12/23/07 at 8:23pm

Actually, I thought Anthony looked incredibly emo...

[ljay889]

Posted: 12/23/07 at 8:23pm

^ Well there was quite a bit of bitching over at ATC. But when don't those people bitch?

Anthony..emo? Have you seen what "emo" is? It's not just someone with long hair. If anything he looks very feminine, not emo. Updated On: 12/23/07 at 08:23 PM

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 12/23/07 at 8:24pm

Anthony looked like an ugly girl at first, but he grew on me.

[best12bars]

Posted: 12/23/07 at 8:27pm

ljay---Thanks so much for posting that link! It WAS a good laugh, but sadly, this is EXACTLY the way I think most young audiences will percieve this movie, this story, and these characters. Sad but true.

I'm copying and pasting, because you all have to read this:


FAIR WARNING- I'm a newb here with no idea of the tags, so this is your last spoiler warning. So don't bitch.

Sweeney Todd- This guy gets a pass here because he had a legit reason to be ticked off. But okay, one thing that did bother me here is that he went out and advertised his shop once the entire film. After that he was hacking and slashing every guy that came to his shop, which made me wonder How the blue hell is he getting costumers when he keeps killing everyone left and right? How is word of mouth gonna go around if he's killing everyone? And how is no one noticing there loved ones going out for a shave and not coming back. Are the police in London that unintelligent?

Ms. Love- First she bitches about the fact her pies suck. Then she falls in love with a guy that obviously isn't interested in anyone but his quest for revenge and it's Pppppppaaaiiiinnnnnnffffuuuulllyyyyy obvious too. My God, I hate nothing more than stupid characters. Sure sure I understand why, shes a pathetic lonely woman clingy to her crush and going so far as to hide the bodys in her pies in order to bring herself closer to Todd but thats exactly why I hate her. It's like Harley Quinn and Joker, but while they where up-beat and cocky these guys where hot topic rejects. I clapped the hardest and laughed when she was burned alive.

The Sailor Dude/Joanna- This is where things really break down. Cause Burton did the same damn thing in nightmare. Guys standing outside the window of a building and then suddenly loves a girl so much he's willing to risk his life for her? And suddenly shes in love with him aside from the two knowing each other for all of.... what? Throwing the key out the window? Ya know where I come from this guy would be a stalker and the girl would just be stupid.

You got Todd's wife all screwed up, the Judge... Woody Allen, 'nuff said. Everyone in this film is screwed up and twisted.

everyone EXCEPT my man Toby. Sure he's had a rough life, he'll arguably worse of all of them. He was forced child labor in a factory and then had to face the child abuse of Borat (And suffer cuts on his wrist when he's not even emo) but does he complain whine moan and bitch like the rest of the cast? Hell no, he takes it like a man and drowns his sorrows in whiskey.

What made me love this movie (and I mean go from 180 degrees of hating to loving) was when he was singing to Ms. Love, feeling loyalty to her for improving his life and feeling it necessary to protect her from Todd. Of course he quickly catches on Love turned on him too, but does he bitch then? Nah, Toby is a survivor. Ducks into the sewer, waits for his moment to strike and takes out that bastard Todd. And my God the fact that the one "Good" guy in the movie killed the villain just left me with such a satisfaction.

Toby is one badass mofo, and is going right up there next to Mercutio as one of my all time favorite characters.

Posted: 12/23/07 at 8:48pm

i didnt see Emo Phillips anywhere in that movie.
i *did* catch Judy Tenuta's cameo, tho, i think...

[best12bars]

Posted: 12/23/07 at 8:49pm

Was she Mrs. Mooney?

[theatrebear]

Posted: 12/23/07 at 9:47pm

I absolutely agree. You just have to look at The Producers to see that transplanting a show, warts and all, on to the screen does not work. It needs to be it's own entity.

And I agree with you - people should give an informed opinion, especially if they purport to be THEATRE people.

As an aside, I am very jealous of you lucky Americans. We do not get Sweeney Todd here in Australia for another month. Not as long a wait as we had for Hairspray but worse when you are looking forward to it as much as I am.

[singingwendy]

Posted: 12/23/07 at 10:10pm

I just realized....we're discussing "God that's Good" and since they took away the choral parts, no one actually ever sings the lyrics "God that's Good!"

As I stated before, I missed the choral parts, however, cutting them goes right along with my theory of Sweeney and Lovett not being part of "the real world" in this film. They observe it quite often through the windows, but they aren't really in it. And we sure know their sense of morality and reason isn't the same as "the real world". So....in their little insane world, people sing. In "the real world" they don't.

[Enjolras77]

Posted: 12/23/07 at 11:02pm

best12, thanks for posting those excerpts. I have to agree that Toby is definitely one "badass mofo".

[logan0215]

Posted: 12/23/07 at 11:39pm

& what i realized about myself: i didnt think "good singing" would matter so much to me, & i didnt even realize that that is one of the things i love most about SWEENEY; how the voices weave together acrobatically, how they call & respond.

YES! I thought after Phantom that "oh well, if you want to see the piece with perfect vocals, see the stage version and Butler conveyed the darkness of the Phantom sans the vocal technique" BUT I did not feel that way after Sweeney. It's too important of a piece of musical theater!

SueleenGay I here what you are saying but I if I did not know the score by heart I too would not know what the heck she was saying in "Worst Pies..." or what was going on in "Little Priest" Plus I made it a point to observe the audience during the movie because I really wanted to see how people were responding to it...and I did not see quiet amusement....I saw sighs and frowns(and no not in the good way).

Exactly!

I also felt like the music/lyrics served more as background music in the movie. This became blaringly obvious during "Worst Pies" as people were laughing at the pies dripping on the counter, the cockroaches and Depp's reactions rather than the hysterical lyrics to the song. This was due in part to the thick accents put over each song as well.

[H.Higgins]

Posted: 12/24/07 at 12:09am

I've got to say to everyone here, those who loved the film, those who hated it, and all those in between: thank you for the continued discussion in this thread. I am just enthralled by all the varying opinions and thoughts. Each thing said makes me think a little more about how I feel about that particular subject. This kind of discussion, to me, is the best thing about coming together online with a shared interest.

My reaction to the film is still developing and I need to see it a second time shortly, but I know I loved it. Minor grievances aside, I loved the look, the feel, and the performances.

*** I thought the Final Sequence was extraordinary. While Best12bars' comments about Depp's reaction to discovering Lucy resonate with me, I thought the last section of the movie, from Lovett locking Toby in the basement onward, was executed brilliantly. There is one moment in there, though, as small a thing as it is, that really bothers me that I wanted to mention, and that is Mrs. Lovett's death. The lead-up just beforehand, with the waltz and "Life is for the alive my dear" passage, was profound and stunning in a way that it could never be onstage. The lighting, the music, THAT basement, THAT oven, Depp's menace, Carter's desperate love combined with terror were all perfect. This was the moment of the film that gripped me more than any other. My heart was pounding in my throat as I watched this expertly realized moment, knowing what was coming. And then it dropped. I'm sorry but seeing !!POSSIBLE SPOILER!! a CGI Helena Bonham Carter burning in the oven (not once, but TWICE) took this gut-wrenching, pounding moment and reduced it to B-horror movie quality. I was so saddened. I know it's such a small thing, but it's the one stupid, glaring mistake (in my opinion) in that whole wonderful Final Sequence. I wanted Sweeney to waltz her through the door, see him slam it shut, and watch him move toward Lucy as we hear the screaming and firing crackling behind him, rather than watch her flail her limbs in sickening graphics during that beautiful sequence. Did any of you have feelings on this? I'd love to hear your reactions.

[Mealz1042]

Posted: 12/24/07 at 1:20am

"If you have a bomb planted under a table, and it goes off, the audience reacts and is shocked by the impact of the explosion.

If you show the audience the bomb under the table a minute before it goes off... they have the added tension of knowing about the bomb."

wow, that's really interesting and definitely true.
Anyway, maybe I'm just slow but I didn't realize the begger was his wife until he finds out though I did gather (perhaps from the singing) that she was going to be very important.

Posted: 12/24/07 at 1:23am

I loved Mrs. Lovett's death. I thought it was executed perfectly. Man, I felt so bad for her.

[Mealz1042]

Posted: 12/24/07 at 1:29am

yeah and ****SPOILER*** just seeing ST watch her burn and then angrily shut the oven was extremely horrifying and worked incredibly and emotionally well.

[Perfectly Marvelous]

Posted: 12/24/07 at 1:37am

everyone EXCEPT my man Toby. Sure he's had a rough life, he'll arguably worse of all of them. He was forced child labor in a factory and then had to face the child abuse of Borat (And suffer cuts on his wrist when he's not even emo) but does he complain whine moan and bitch like the rest of the cast? Hell no, he takes it like a man and drowns his sorrows in whiskey.


That was my much needed LAWL for the day.


I've finally gotten round to refining my review a bit, so I thought I'd post it here. It's a bit lengthy (but trimmed of spoilers):

Sweeney Todd, played by Johnny Depp, is a man whose life has been sucked out of him. In its place evil has come to abode; the menacing eyes, pale taunt skin, a lethal combination of sorrow, hatred, and warped justice is perfectly embodied by Depp. His idea of compassion has gone astray, to the point where he has shut himself off to the world – even to the persistent advances of Mrs. Lovett. If the saying “the eyes are the window to the soul” is true, then we are looking at the very pit of hell itself. To say Sweeney is no longer human and a machine of his own undoing would be an understatement.

His mind has been plagued with ridding London of one man, the vulture-like Judge Turpin (played by Alan Rickman). He and his devious companion, Beadle Bamford, (played by Timothy Spall) are responsible for much – if not all – of Sweeney’s descent into madness. All of these men get a chance to showcase their vocal talents, Rickman with “Pretty Women” (a duet sung between Turpin and Sweeney), Spall with “Ladies In Their Sensitive”, Depp, of course, has the biggest challenge of all – convincingly showing the audience (through song) the very nature of Sweeney’s disconcert for humankind. With a [surprisingly] overpowering tenor range that exudes an embittered rage, yet the unlikely ability to be naïve, he glides through “No Place Like London”, and lets his inner terror come through on “Epiphany” (Sweeney’s grandiose plot of vengeance). With “My Friends”, one can see him calculate on just how he will have his way.

Jayne Wisener did not stand out as Johanna (vocally), which is partly due to the fact that “Kiss Me” had been cut. It is so important for the characters of Johanna and Anthony, without it there seemed to a void to their personalities. Jamie Campbell Bowers came off a little too young for Anthony at first, but it seemed to work in the sense that his infatuation with Johanna was like that of Romeo with Juliet and Tony with Maria. He has a lovely singing voice, which made me miss “Kiss Me” even more. However, his “Johanna” is one of the best renditions I’ve heard (outside of Hugh Panaro a few years ago at the Kennedy Center). Sacha Baron Cohen is an absolute delight to watch onscreen, and is perfect in every way as the flashy Signor Pirelli, rival barber to Sweeney Todd. He too, has a splendid voice, and if a replacement for Mary Sunshine is needed for Chicago on Broadway, then they have certainly found a worthy contender.

Helena Bonham-Carter did not disappoint me as Mrs. Lovett. I was hoping for a hollowed, morally awry woman whose life brightens considerably when “Mr. T” comes along. She is no Lansbury or LuPone, but she puts her own stamp on the character, playing Nellie Lovett with a saucy ferocity. “Worst Pies in London” is delivered with a powerful punch and wit. Her timing is exquisite – from the crunching of a roach to pounding the daylights out of a piece of dough. Her voice is not what one would deem “pretty” but is the most true to the character. “Wait” is where she shines and is really the first time she is faced with Sweeney’s distance. Her need for attention is not reciprocated by Sweeney, not even when she is doing what she feels is right in order for him to realize her existence. Unfortunately, by the time she understands that she has been pining for a truly disastrous individual, it is too late to escape.

“A Little Priest” seemed too short, and I found myself supplementing the missing snippets of dialogue in my mind. However, I was surprised by the key changes. They did not have that same disjointed feel, instead ending on a cheerier vibe. My only qualm was that I could barely hear Helena at the end, but her sweet soprano and Depp’s dark tenor blended deliciously together which made the piece an overall treat.

“By The Sea” was an amusing sequence. Sweeney’s prickly pear exterior played a delightful contrast to Mrs. Lovett’s cheerfully disillusioned view of how their life should be. I especially enjoyed the part where they are wed and she is almost so eager she can’t wait to say “I do”. Sweeney, on the other hand, has the most wonderful puzzlement on his face when told he may kiss the bride. When sitting on the blanket overlooking the sea, he half-heartedly puts a hand on her lap. His lack of concern is not because he doesn’t care for Mrs. Lovett it is rather that he doesn’t particularly think much on having a relationship with anyone or anything, outside of his beloved blades or with his long-lost family.

Ed Sanders nearly stole the film as the adorable Oliver-like Tobias. (How can one not smile when he says “Per-leaaase?”?) I have heard numerous complaints on his acting and singing, saying he is far too young for the role (Tobias is portrayed much older onstage) or too vacant during “Not While I’m Around”. Not so. He delivers the song with the purest innocence and endearment which brought tears to my eyes. His love and willingness to protect Mrs. Lovett away from the “demons” sets the stage for his transformation at the finale.

Tim Burton’s Sweeney Todd may not be exactly perfect, but it does brilliantly capture the very essence of Sondheim’s score, satirical humor, and characters. He achieves in creating a fanciful atmosphere, of which the audience is thrown head first into the realm of insanity and its character-driven plot. It is truly a clever reexamination.

Updated On: 12/24/07 at 01:37 AM

[xoxRogue]

Posted: 12/24/07 at 1:40am

When sitting on their porch, he half-heartedly puts a hand on her lap.

Actually, that's when they are sitting on the blanket, the three of them.

[COOOOLkid]

Posted: 12/24/07 at 1:46am

I actually liked Mrs. Lovett's ending. I was just shocked.

[Perfectly Marvelous]

Posted: 12/24/07 at 1:52am

Aye, I blanked! Thank you for noticing my mishap, Rogue.

[best12bars]

Posted: 12/24/07 at 10:08am

H.Higgins---To answer your question, given all of the over-the-top (some critics are calling it "Monty Python-esque") violence that came before Mrs. Lovett's demise, I don't see how Burton could have shied away from it.

That said, I do wonder about the violence in the film. Burton has said many times that this is his homage to the old horror movies going back to silent film, Universal classics, and even including the Hammer films of the '50s and '60s. If so, then the violence he's given us doesn't fit that "language" of film making. Other than the Hammer films, which did use the bright red blood (so sparingly, by comparison), there was never THAT much gore in those old films.

So... why tell us you're going to make a film in Spanish (meaning usuing the cinematic "language" of those old horror films), and then whenever anybody dies, you switch to French (the gore-filled violent "language" of a much more recent wave of horror, torture-porn films)?

He might as well have put a TV set in Mrs. Lovett's parlor, too.

It isn't so much that I disliked the amplified violence as that it felt curiously out-of-place in this film. HIS film. Some (unfamiliar with the material) would argue that the music and singing felt out-of-place here, as well.

So it's a film of mixed languages, I guess. A musical masterpiece. A classic old-style horror film. A modern gore-fest.

Kinda like peanut butter, pickles and clams... all living in one sandwich.

It definitely tasted "new," that's for sure. Ultimately, I guess I admire him for that. I'm not sure I'd order another sandwich like that again. But at least I put down the usual stuff and tried it once.

Updated On: 12/24/07 at 10:08 AM

[logan0215]

Posted: 12/24/07 at 12:02pm

Her timing is exquisite – from the crunching of a roach to pounding the daylights out of a piece of dough.

Actually I didn't find it extraordinary at all. Almost all of the character's jokes fell flat.

And those 2 examples are literally written into the lyric, so I don't think it was too difficult to smack a roach with a rolling pin when, in the lyric, it says "No you don't!- Goodness knows I try..."

[ljay889]

Posted: 12/24/07 at 2:26pm

Another idiot posted IMDB about how Sweeney's lyrics are so terrible that they sound like they were written by a High Schooler.



People really make me laugh.

[keen on kean]

Posted: 12/24/07 at 2:44pm

I haven't seen the film yet but I would like to pass along an observation. Four of my friends (each of whom is involved in theater or the performing arts) went to see the film last night. The two who have seen and liked the stage version didn't like the film because they perceived the singing voices as weak (except, apparently, for Sascha Baron Cohen). The two people who had limited (or no) experience with the play loved the movie. And the younger part of the audience was "wtf?!" about it being a musical. I am still anxious to see it.

[best12bars]

Posted: 12/24/07 at 3:01pm

Interesting, kean.

ljay--That's because Sondheim didn't rhyme "room" with "moon."

Or "forever" with "ever."

He just doesn't know what he's doing.