sweeney movie WOW!- Page 2

[nitsua]

Posted: 11/26/07 at 3:21pm

Michael Bennett, I read that Burton scraped the ghost part when Depp had to take time off for his daughter.

I hope the final shooting script is released. Maybe actually published, with photos and whatnot.

I am so there!

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 11/26/07 at 3:32pm

Hi Nit --

No that's not true. Anthony Head and the other actors hired to portray the "Ballad Ghosts" were let go prior to the start of filming. The decision didn't have anything to do with the lapse in shooting.

[nitsua]

Posted: 11/26/07 at 3:35pm

Thanks for clarifying. I didn't really like how it was portrayed in the screenplay. I never considered Todd crazy, as in, "I hear voices."

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 11/26/07 at 3:45pm

I think Burton's major argument for cutting the sung lines was that the lyrics to the Ballad essentially give away the major plot point of the story before the story has even begun.

Yes, I know most people will *know* that SWEENEY TODD is about a barber who murders his clients before they even go in - but - in the storytelling itself, there is a greater emphasis in film to have calculated plot reveals - especially for a film like Todd that is being pitched as a genre film.

The Ballad is also awfully redundant even on stage where its a clever device. On film it could potentially have been quite cumbersome.
Updated On: 11/26/07 at 03:45 PM

[nitsua]

Posted: 11/26/07 at 3:49pm

That's my reasoning for having it cut. It's all exposition. I'm curious to know what you think about the new ending.

[lotiloti]

Posted: 11/27/07 at 1:59pm

Yes, I'm in UK. Sorry for late reply, busy at work!

[lotiloti]

Posted: 11/27/07 at 2:02pm

You are correct. Music only, is played over the credits.

[lotiloti]

Posted: 11/27/07 at 2:04pm

Antony Head is still in the movie.(Briefly)

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 11/27/07 at 3:22pm

I thought the cut in the ballads was mostly about Christopher Lee's dropping out of the film due to scheduling?

[lotiloti]

Posted: 11/27/07 at 3:32pm

I think Christopher Lee would like you to think that.