In spite of the fact that it was far from "perfect", I enjoyed this film immensely. As someone who adores Sweeney Todd in a manner that borders on being creepy, I was amazed at how certain parts of the movie had me on my toes as if I was completely unfamiliar with the show.
I quite loved Helena Bonham Carter's Mrs. Lovett, particularly during "Not While I'm Around"--the thinking that you can see in her eyes was so incredibly creepy and heartbreaking. She really made the character pathetic and desperate without being obvious about it, which is how I always saw her... as opposed to her being a brassy conniver.
The same goes for Johnny Depp, who I've never been much of a fan of, as Todd. Though he's certainly the least vocally skilled Sweeney I've ever heard (as far as professional productions go), he actually sounded legitimately lovely during some songs, particularly during "Pretty Women". As I mentioned with Helena, his Sweeney is also an incredibly pathetic character in this version--I loved how they cut back to reality after "Epiphany", just so one doesn't forget that, in spite of his rage, Sweeney really is a little slip of a nobody. I think I might be converted to the Cult of Depp after this film. Quite the hauntin' fellow, he was.
Alan Rickman also took the cake for me. Not only was he incredibly slimy, but he also made Turpin somewhat sad, albeit in a very (the money word again) pathetic way. You almost stop hissing at him when he says that Johanna will be forgiven, until you remember that he's long overdue for some justice. I read a review of the film where someone mentioned that he acts through the nose-- and I have to agree. That man has perfected the sneer and made it an art form.
Kudos must also be given to Ed Saunders. I didn't really feel much when I saw the clip of "not While I'm Around" that had made its way to the internet, but he was really quite touching as Toby.
All in all, I'm quite pleased with the movie. Certainly, there were things I missed and a few stylistic choices I didn't agree with, but overall it was wonderful. And, unlike Dreamgirls, I think Sweeney Todd lived up to its hype quite well.
And those orchestrations! Ooooooooeeeee! They were glorious! Jonathan Tunick, way to work it! I can't even begin to describe the chills I got from that organ overture bit before the credits.
I know people have complained about the movie bringing in a lot of obnoxious fangirls or for not having the right cast/director/whatnot, but I'm honestly so pleased that Sondheim has gotten such a good movie finally made out of his material. While I doubt he needs that validation, it's still nice.
Stop looking at my charisma.
Updated On: 12/21/07 at 03:23 AM
