Five Stars, Movie Reviews - Sunday, January 27, 2008 4:59 - 7 Comments

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Theaters)

A film that should be dismissed by the faint of heart, Tim Burton’s adaptation of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street was absolutely magnificent, and he brought to life brilliantly the dark and vivid atmosphere that was 19th century London, England. Todd can definitely be considered a musical masterpiece, and is without a doubt Burton’s darkest and most sinister film to date.

The storyline was incredibly macabre and violent and I actually had to cringe a few times during the course of it. The cinematography was incredibly gorgeous and you could not have asked for more suitable setting. I found the score to be absorbing, the dialogue quite compelling, humorous, yet witty.

Hardly a fan of stage performances or musicals, I would have completely skipped this film if not for the names Tim Burton and Johnny Depp. To my surprise however, I was rewarded with one of the best films of 2007. Depp continues soar with another charismatic performance as Sweeney Todd, and I was completely in awe when I heard the man actually hold a tune. He was much better than I had ever imagined he would be. Helena Bonham Carter was perfect for her role as the evil, yet seductively sensual, Mrs. Lovett and Alan Rickman played the corrupt judge as if he was born for the role.

Overall, Burton could not have done a better job at bringing to life Stephen Sondheim musical classic. His remakes of old films and musicals have all found success, and it would be a disgrace if this film did not win at least a couple awards at this year’s Oscar Awards.

Synopsis:

After hard years in exile for a crime he didn’t commit, Benjamin Barker now Sweeney Todd, returns to London to find his wife dead and his daughter in the hands of the evil Judge Turpin. In his anger, Sweeney goes on a murderous rampage on all London, with the help of Mrs. Lovett, he opens a barber shop in which he lures his victims in with a charming smile before casually ending their life with a flick of his razor across their neck. But not one man killed, nor ten thousands men can satisfy Sweeney’s lust for revenge on those who’ve caused his years of pain.