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Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)

Director: Tim Burton

Time Out rating

Average user rating

85 reviews

Synopsis

Based on the 19th century legend of Sweeney Todd and the hit Broadway musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Sweeney Todd (Johnny Depp) returns to London after being sent away by Alan Rickman’s Judge Turpin. He opens a barber shop above Mrs. Lovett's Meat Pie Shop were she sells ‘the worst pies in London.’ With the help of Mrs. Lovett (Helena Bonham Carter), Todd tries to get rid of all the people who have ever done him wrong.

Movie review

From Time Out London

A great deal bloodier than most musicals, Tim Burton’s beautifully crafted take on Stephen Sondheim’s stage show still feels like a kids’ film that no littl’uns will see, such is the sweep of his story, his caricaturing, and his balletic approach to killing.

But human behaviour isn’t Burton’s strong point, so one doesn’t expect him to gain a strong grip on the psyche of Benjamin Barker – now Mr S Todd (Johnny Depp, with a skunk’s streak in his locks) – the barber who’s back in dank Victorian London and looking for revenge on crooked Judge Turpin (Alan Rickman, resuscitating his turn in ‘Perfume…’) after enduring an unjust stint in a penal colony and losing his wife and daughter. This forlorn figure is now entering a pact with local pie-maker Mrs Lovett (Helena Bonham Carter, fresh from the Queen Vic) that sees trade blossom for both – and offers Todd a busman’s outlet for his anger…

There’s something of the Hulk to this Todd (a monster with a heart and a troubled past), but there’s a heavy dose of Fred West, too. Depp is too young and too beautiful – but he claws back some romance for his anti-hero and proves a capable singer. It’s the usual Burtonisms that impress: the sets, the costumes, a masterly embrace of the sound-stage (retaining the theatricality of Sondheim’s original).

There’s a gulf between the colourful leads and the bland supporting roles, and Burton struggles to avoid a flat middle section that contrasts with the atmospherics of his opening and the melodrama of his finale – but mostly this is grand-scale studio-work at its most beguiling.

Author: Dave Calhoun 2008-01-22 09:57:28

Time Out London Time Out London: Issue 1953 Jan 23-29

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User reviews of this film

dOROTHY WILBERT said...

Posted on Jan 24 2008 17:37 JESUS REMINDS ME OF SWEENEY TODD. AMAZINGLY SKILLFULL YET SIMPLY A HONEST MAN. LIKEWISE, THEY ARE BOTH SIMPLY AMAZING ROLEMODELS

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Frankie said...

Posted on Jan 24 2008 17:32 When Tim Burton and Johnny Depp get together magic happens. I'm a musician and I preferred this to the stage version. Depp is no singer, but I thought that was very in-keeping with the style of the film. Loved Bonham Carter too-Mrs. Lovett was played perfectly!

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Lyndsay said...

Posted on Jan 23 2008 19:36 a top notch film indeed, i saw this on opening of the previews and i gotta say i was highly impressed, being both a large depp fan and tim burton follower i found this film tickling my film fanatic tastebuds and loved every second. Although the ending appears unresolved i think he went in the right direction and left you just gagging for more. Certainly a chair handle clutching experience and definitly in my opinion the must see film of the year.
(and wow to johnny's singing, :D)
hope this helps.

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Mike said...

Posted on Jan 23 2008 19:27 If you've seen the show on stage do not bother to see the film. Some of the best music has been cut, Bonham Carter is too beautiful to play Mrs. Lovett, Depp's estuary English does not fit the historical setting. Only woth seeing for Spall and Cohen.

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Lain said...

Posted on Jan 22 2008 20:31 Bloody excellent! Musical/horror: unique in it's kind!

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Terry B said...

Posted on Jan 21 2008 19:25 Mmmmm Johnny Depp... Fabulous film. Totally absorbing and atmospheric. Burton at his best. Johnny hasn't done a duff film yet! And more singing from him please.

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Loz said...

Posted on Jan 21 2008 17:14 This film looks excellent! I really want to see it... Johnny Deep and Tim Burton are just the best... WOW!

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stephy laura said...

Posted on Jan 21 2008 09:21 cnt believe it an 18 i wanna see it n i will see it love u jhonny depp

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Natalie Price said...

Posted on Jan 20 2008 19:04 the film looks amazing and i cant wait to see it, i love johnny depp & love all the films in which he and tim burton have done together, this is a must see film!!

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Debs said...

Posted on Jan 18 2008 12:06 I thought this film was amazing. Everything you have come to expect from a Burton/Depp/Bonham Carter collaboration. Depp & Bonham Carter's on-screen chemistry is undeniable. Can't wait to see it again!!!

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