Watch the trailer: http://movies.aol.com/movie/sweeney-todd-the-demon-barber-of-fleet-street/26627/main
I was fortunate to see the original Broadway show/cast with Angela Lansbury in '79. How will this new version compare? I've read there's more emphasis on the Grand Guignol & gore as if the idea of Tim Burton's girlfriend Helena Bonham Carter taking over Lansbury's role isn't scary enough. And what about Sondheim's operetta-ish score? Will Burton's visual fireworks compensate for Sondheim's truncated music? Here's his thoughts on its reworking: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/16/theater/16gree.html?_r=1&ref=movies&oref=slogin
We caught a matinee showing of Sweeney Todd. Yes the dark visuals are first-rate as you expect in a Burton film and oh yes there's gore galore. If you think you're going to see something like The Sound of Music, this one's not for you. The story is as faithful as I remember and there's enough of the original score warbled by the two leads. Johnny Depp's vocals are adequate but moving. His piercing eyes and chiseled features cut through the film as he relishes his role as the razor-wielding barber seeking revenge against the evil judge who ruined his life and family.
I have to admit Helena Bonham Carter acquitted herself singing the difficult score as she matched Depp's performing skills as his partner in revenge but with an agenda of her own. Alan Rickman plays the judge with his usual refined nastiness in portraying villains. The rest of the cast is splendid (and better as singers) in aiding the somber mood. If you like this film, you might want to check out the filmed stage version with Lansbury: http://www.amazon.com/Sweeney-Todd-Demon-Barber-Street/dp/B00005JL6V/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1198705750&sr=1-1
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