Tim Burton & Johnny Depp Team For 'SWEENEY TODD' Movie Musical Adaptation — Page 5

I think a film version of this is a terrible plan. Movies of musicals have not done so well lately and this may be silly, but I'd rather not taint the name of Sondheim with a subpar film of a musical that may totally flop. My opinion is not just based on the Depp/Burton stuff, but I am opposed to this movie no matter who is in it or directing it. I respect both Tim Burton and Johnny Depp very, very much, but I don't like the idea of a film.

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I see your point, penguin, even though I myself have not seen the Night Music movie. (Where can you find it? Must see it.) But there are toooonnnnnnnnns of people who haven't heard of Sondheim and to suddenly have him marketed as a major motion picture would bring him to the forefront. This is itself would not be bad, but if the movie were to be poor or to flop, later on, people would be saying, "Oh, that Sondheim guy. Wasn't he the one with that crappy movie?"

You're right and it totally may do well or be amazing, and God knows I'll be first in line to see it. But does every musical have to be a movie? If it's already amazing onstage and perfect as it is, why push it any further?

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Yes, yes, I see your point. Knowing the general public, people will probably think Tim Burton and Danny Elfman composed the show. (But, seriously, I love them both heartily.)

I like your idea of independent musicals. This makes much sense, penguin-is-mightier-than-the-sword friend.

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Tim Burton... eh.

Maybe. He could do something new and inventive but still stay within the Sweeney Todd as we know it, very much like the Doyle version.

Johnny Depp. This will NOT be another Gerard Butler (or whatever his name is) raw, rough not-really-a-singer-but-fits-the-look casting. I will protest, and burn down a building if I have to. I'm sure, I'm positive actually, that he could act this role very well, but this is a MUSICAL. Singing is very much an integral part of casting. We saw Phantom, kind-of singers don't work.

I would LOVE to see this movie done in a Dogville (which is a GREAT movie) type style. Very stagey, not very realistic, and live singing.

I hate dubbing, and lip synching.

I would love Streep in this role. They showed a clip of her singing (belting, actually) on Inside the Actor's Studio. I can't remember the movie, but it sounded good!

For some reason I can't imagine this done in a realistic fashion. Like on-set locations, and outdoor sets, ala the Rent Movie, and POTO. It's such a theatrical piece, and I think Burton could do something really inventive with it, but casting is SO key.

And NOT Cerveris. I tire of him.

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Well that sounds a bit like John C Reily, who think would also be awful.

ETA: I am watching both DVD's right now, I must say I don't think Hearn is perfectly cast either.

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Updated On: 1/12/06 at 03:45 PM

*gasp*

Penguin, you don't like George Hearn? *gasp again*

What isn't that you don't like entirely about him. (Personally I was devastated that Len Cariou wasn't recorded on film, but George Hearn is amazing.) But I swear I'll listen respectfully to your opinion.

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I absolutely see your point. I think it's wonderful that we have two such different portrayals of Sweeney at our disposal. I prefer Cariou's as well, especially with Epiphany, but I appreciate Georgy Boy, whose voice is really beautiful.

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Oh, I love him on the Follies DVD. He's so clueless about which microphone to aim for during the finale.

Sorry, that was totally random.

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Wait, wait, wait. What's the Sondheim Collection?

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Oh, I had no idea you could get them all together. I actually have all of those, except the Sweeney concert. And I definitely paid a good $30 for each of them. You are truly a bargain hunter.

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Where were you when I was shopping at Borders, penguin? I thought you had my back!

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It is one of those early stage rumors that has some possible truth.

I have your back SG, it is hard to do it retroactively though.

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