Tim Burton & Johnny Depp Team For 'SWEENEY TODD' Movie Musical Adaptation- Page 4

[best12bars]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 10:44am

Good point, smartpenguin78!

We are all assuming it's Sondheim's "Sweeney" here. The exact same thing happened when the Robin Williams/Nathan Lane film adaptation of "La Cage" was announced. People naturally assumed it was the film version of the Herman/Fierstein musical... and it turned out to be a non-musical adaptation of the original French film, instead.

Depp already has said he was very nervous when he signed on without a script for "Charlie." Even he initially assumed it might be a remake of the Gene Wilder movie. He asked Burton very hesitantly if he would have to sing in it... the idea made him extremely uncomfortable, but he said he would have done it anyway.

This doesn't sound like someone who's up for tackling one of the most difficult musical theatre singing roles ever written for a leading man, does it?

The "legend" of Sweeney Todd dates back to the 1700s, and it could easily be a free-form, "public domain" adaptation of this legend (ala "Sleepy Hollow"), or a licenced adaptation of one of the existing plays. Sondheim used the Christopher Bond play, which could easily be used again in a non-musical way.

EDIT: I will add this in... If this IS a non-musical film adaptation of the "Sweeney" legend, it will kill off the chances of anyone bringing our beloved Sondheim musical to the big screen for a long time to come. Just as "The Birdcage" killed the idea of adapting the Herman "La Cage" into a movie. It might still happen one day... but not for decades.

Updated On: 1/8/06 at 10:44 AM

[sweetestsiren]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 10:58am

I think best12bars has a good point... do we even know that this is the Sonheim musical we're talking about? And, if so... doesn't he have a pretty big say in the creative process? One would think.

[TheQuibbler]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 10:59am

Depp always strikes me as somewhat goofy (as of lately, at least. His earlier work is more praiseworthy). I love the idea of Tim Burton, though. I agree with Plum and his assessment of Johnny Depp as Sweeney.

[best12bars]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 11:13am

Burton will have to show us a very different side of his abilities if this is actually a film version of the Sondheim show.

He's never been able to have a genuinely menacing tone on film yet. The closest he's come so far is "Sleepy Hollow," and every time he got anywhere near scaring us, he would pull out some over-the-top (sometimes unintentional), humorous shtick.

That will deaden the impact and "thriller" aspects of Sondheim's work, if he tries to do that here.

They'll have to change the show's tag line from "A Musical Thriller" to "A Musical Curiosity."

Since this is only a rumor being reported on MovieMusicals.net, and since they admit they're already not sure what script he's using... I think I'll wait to "pre-judge" further until it's officially announced.

[insomniak]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 12:07pm

Guys, if this is indeed the Sweeney we know and love, wouldn't Sondheim be careful with it? Wouldn't he make sure he was ok with it all before he just handed it over? I don't think he's too into the idea of a silly Sweeney, not if he loves the current bway production as much as we've heard.

Unlike the Rent movie, this one will have the creator involved. Let's hope that his years of experience will prevent him from settling for less than his best. Does anyone know why Mendes isn't doing it anymore?

[PerforMeg]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 12:19pm

Depp is way too much the conventional babe to play Sweeney.

I think the Rent movie was a pretty clear example that these movies need someone directing them who has a musical theatre background and knows how to get around the challenges of keeping a musical honest. Get Mendes back, I'm begging you!

She might be too old (especially if they cast Depp) but I want Carol Burnett to play Mrs. Lovett. If not here then somewhere.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 12:19pm

"wouldn't Sondheim be careful with it? Wouldn't he make sure he was ok with it all before he just handed it over?"

Elizabeth Taylor in A Little Night Music

[insomniak]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 12:21pm

I didn't know, Gothampc.

I hope he's learned his lesson.

Mendes or no Sweeney at all.

[inlovewithjerryherman]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 12:34pm

Depp is the least of my worries, I think he's a very competent actor and will be able to do what he needs to with the role. Can't sing it? Dub it. This is the movies.

Burton, however, is another story. Burton is NOTORIOUS for warping and twisting source material (Remember "Batman Returns"?) and I'm sure he'll have no qualms twisting "Sweeney Todd" to whatever shape he feels necessary,

best12bars also raises and excellent point. This may not be the musical Sweeney Todd, this may be a movie adaptation of the original melodrama that the musical is based on, which would kill the likelihood of ever seeing a Sweeney movie musical in any of our lifetimes.

However, Sweeney is a piece that is full of very weird, creepy, disconcerting moments that Burton loves. And, in all honesty, he is a very competent director (Edward Scissorhands and The Nightmare Before Christmas are among my favorite films). I doubt he'll be 100% faithful, but as long as he's at least 90%, we could get one of the best movie musicals of all time.

[best12bars]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 12:50pm

As far as Sondheim's involvement with any proposed film version of his work, that would entirely be predetermined by the signed contract when the rights were sold to begin with.

I have no idea what his agreement already was. But he doesn't own the rights to a film version of "Sweeney" now. Someone else does. And he could have signed it over lock, stock and barrel as many do (like Margaret Mitchell and her beloved "Gone With the Wind"), or he could have had it written into the agreement that he be heavily involved in the creative decisions. That is DOUBTFUL though. Since most studios and producers today wouldn't agree to such terms up front. Very few have in the past... in fact the ONLY one that comes to mind is P.L. Travers with "Mary Poppins." If you watch the terrific documentary on the new DVD, they point out that Disney wanted the rights to it so badly, he agreed to giving her the final sign-off on all creative aspects (script, casting, director, songwriters, etc.). If she didn't like the choices made, she could have it changed.

...Something that was and is all but UNHEARD of.

Updated On: 1/8/06 at 12:50 PM

[Glebb]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 12:59pm

Hoping the Burton film is a non-musical version and Mendes directs Meryl in the musical.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 1:04pm

I would imagine Sondheim to be very protective of his work. He wouldn't allow his work to be turned into a movie musical adaptation if he didn't believe in them.

You must also understand studio impact. Without Hollywood names - what are the chances a studio will support a movie musical? How will the studio make money? They don't care about the art - they want the moolah. Money first, art second.

Chicago - HUGE names. Pre-movie: "Can they even sing?" Post-movie: Oscars galore.

I've already said it but I'll say it again: Can Depp even sing?

And best12bars - 95% certain it is the Sondheim musical.

[MarkCohen]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 1:06pm

Does anyone else see no reason why Sweeney should be made into a movie at all?

[best12bars]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 1:22pm

Well, I HOPE it is the Sondheim version. I would like to see at least a "noble attempt" at a screen adaptation of his musical.

However, if it's a non-musical film of the Sweeney legend (which could easily happen from any studio or producer at any time, since the basic story is from the 18th century and definitely "public domain" material)... then we won't be seeing Sondheim's musical at the multiplex anytime soon. I'd bet good money that it would be shelved immediately if this is the case. The Depp/Burton pairing is too high-profile of a package.

So... even with a lot of questions and doubts as to Depp as a Sondheim-singing Sweeney and Burton as its director... I'm actually hoping that this turns out to be the case.

But official announcements are still pending, per the Web site.

Updated On: 1/8/06 at 01:22 PM

[worrell4077]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 1:38pm

Sweeney Todd is probably the only musical that Tim Burton could ever direct, and I think that he will do a fantastic job with it. Johnny Depp does seem like an unlikely choice for Sweeney, but that's the same thing people said about another Tim Burton casting choice, being Micheal Keaton in the first Batman, but when that came out, people loved it. So, maybe, Johnny will surprise many in his interpretation of the role.

________________________________________________________________
"When tears are in your eyes and you can't find the way. It's hard to make believe you're happy when you're gray."
-Jersey Boys

[grizzabella]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 2:08pm

Once again, Best12bars makes very valid points. I'm still working through what I think of this pairing, and I generally like both Burton and Depp. I wouldn't actually be too surprised if this is the Sondheim musical version they're discussing. Burton hasn't actually tackled a full-out musical yet, though Charlie & The Chocolate Factory had musical elements, and Sweeney would appeal to him, if anything would. Depp can sing, I believe, but whether he's up to Sweeney is certainly debatable. Still, neither Depp or Burton is a stupid man, and I doubt either would choose Sweeney, just for the sake of "doing a musical." They would understand the potential risks and both are savvy about the industry in which they work. Right now, I think I'll give both the benefit of the doubt, at least until the official announcement is made and we see what transpires in the production buzz.

[LilBwayLady]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 2:30pm

Is anyone afriad that Burton might make it more of a kid like movie? i mean i know he would have to fiddle with it a lot to make it more kidsy but he always seems to do fantasy movies and this isnt fantasy....i mean the meat pies made out of people is but the rest is just a really depressing story and i think he might try to make it appealling for all ages which its not.

[Mother's Younger Brother]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 2:47pm

Tim, you need help NOW for your Johnny Depp addiction. Movies CAN be made without him. Let the poor man play some roles he SHOULD be playing, not just because you're the director.

[DiamondGirl]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 4:28pm

I just can't imagine Depp singing this, though I suppose it'd be all right dubbed. It might be interesting to have a Sweeney who don't look all that intimidating, but can still be majorly lethal.

If he was older, I'd say Christian Bale would make a stupendous Sweeney, but I've heard he never wants to do a musical again.

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 5:35pm

Depp has surprised the public before time and time again. I wouldn't be surprised if he would make a good Sweeney. It's rare to see an actor with such diversity.

I wish this were more than a rumor; the Tim Burton part at least.

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 5:37pm

If you don't think Burton is right for a twisted, dark, creepy, but satirical piece, take another look at "Batman Returns."

[insomniak]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 5:43pm

I don't want to see a topsy-turvey, Halloweentown style Fleet Street. It completely negates the serious, gritty aspects of the piece.

I do have faith in Johnny Depp. I would have NEVER known the that man in Fear and Loathing was also Jack Sparrow if the credits hadn't insisted it was so.

[MarkCohen]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 7:20pm

"Johnny can sing. Before he got into acting, he was in a band."

The lead singer from Simple Plan is in a band, from Good Charlotte, from Maroon 5, from Slipknot.

You get the idea. Could they play Sweeney? Doubtful.

[Fan2]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 7:50pm

All the movie sites are weighing in on this.

http://www.chud.com/index.php?type=news&id=5646

THE DEMON DIRECTOR OF FLEET STREET
01.08.06
By Devin Faraci
Contributing sources: Movie Musicals

I guess there are no hard feelings that Tim Burton will be working with Jim Carrey in the upcoming Ripley’s Believe It or Not movie – the director and his longtime leading man Johnny Depp are looking at working together a sixth time, adapting Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

This, to me, is a terrible idea, and on a couple of levels. First of all, Depp can’t play Todd – the character is much older and creepier than any studio exec would ever allow Depp to be. But even if Depp is allowed to get rid of his good looks, Burton’s the wrong director for the project. I’ve never seen a serious Tim Burton movie – they’re all campy and slightly self-parodying, and Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd, while containing humor, is really a horror melodrama. It’s easy to assume that a musical about a barber who slits the throats of his customers and teams up with his landlady to turn their bodies into cheap meat pies must be a black comedy, but the story – based on reality – is done up fairly straight, all things considered. I don’t think Burton could do that. He would be too tempted to give in to the high Hammer camp of his dreadful Sleepy Hollow.

The official announcement on this is expected in a few weeks. It’s not the first time Burton has tried to make this show into a film, but I thought that the movie was firmly in Sam Mendes’ hands. Maybe if Jarhead had done better he’d still be on it. There’s a script by John Logan right now, but it’s unclear if Burton will start over from scratch. My bet is that he will.

[Isabella2]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 7:56pm

wow, after reading all these posts, i still have mixed feelings about this whole thing. Updated On: 9/6/06 at 07:56 PM