Review: ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street ‘
Review: ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street ‘
3.5 stars out of 5
In Sweeney Todd:The Demon Barber of Fleet Street , the big screen version of the 1979 Stephen Sondheim musical, Tim Burton is back in black. Bringing to cinematic life a bloody, hypnotic tale of revenge, love and scrumptious meat pies. The story remains the same from the musical. A barber in 19th century London is thrown into jail on trumped on charges by a despicable judge intent on bedding his beautiful wife. After a long stint in prison, the barber formerly known as Benjamin Barker, is now an ice cold sociopath. (The fun musical kind.) With blood filled vengeance the only thing on his mind, the re-birthed Sweeney Todd (Johnny Depp) hopes to reunite with his family and kill (by way of a sparkly cool razor) the powerful judge that destroyed his life. Now looking like a cross between Edward Scissorhands and Jack White, he learns from his new neighbor and admirer, Mrs. Lovett (Helena Bonham Carter), that his beloved wife is dead. As if this wasn’t unfortunate enough, he then learns that the evil Judge Turpin (Alan Rickman) has gained custody of his young daughter, Johanna. Distraught, he enlists the help of Mrs. Lovett and begins to reopen his barbershop under new management. Having Judge Turpin within his grasp, only to lose him, Todd begins to cut down (quite literally) the affluent class of England in order to “server those down below”. “Eat the rich” never had more meaning.
Filled with sedated, dank imagery and clothing, Sweeney Todd is a brilliant replica of the cult musical with one exception: Blood. Buckets full. So much is spilled in fact, it almost has a Gallagher performance feel to it. It’s borderline camp and results in dark comedy (much like Gallagher) that enhances the already moody drama by creating a comedic release for the audience. The film never takes itself too seriously and because of that, a disturbed fun is had by all. Reminiscent of a Cure song, the bleak Sondheim lyrics and melody are set to a snappy, upbeat scale that will have the audience humming their favorite tune all night. All the voices provided by the cast were delightful and easy to listen to, even baritone Alan Rickman. (Though one can’t help but giggle a smidge during his first song but the absurdity soon disappears.)
If their is proof that the splattering of blood can be shot artistically, it is here. Cinematographer Dariusz Wolski (Dark City, The Crow) uses a fluidity in capturing each scene while never wasting an angle. Everything from costumes to set are used under Burton’s direction in an impressive yet minimalist presentation. It’s no surprise for this auteur as we see his touch and similar imagery in most of his work. He still manages to keep things fresh while rarely deviating from his winning formula. True, the formula is no longer new nor surprising for audiences but because it’s so brilliantly done time after time, we come to appreciate more and more. Sweeney Todd is no different. In fact this film is a testament to his work and will be canonized along with his other gems.
There are no weak links in this cast and is a solid effort all around. Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat, Da Ali G Show) is the scene stealer as the flamboyant barber, Pirelli. Leaving behind his “Boratishness”, Cohen stands out as an actor, not merely the comedic act he usually is. Johnny Depp is typical Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter is convincing as the somewhat naive and obsessed partner, Mrs. Lovett. Alan Rickman, though I’m a fan, seems to portray the same snarky character repeatedly with little variation. Slimy with an aura of prestige, I’m sure he must have an 800 number for directors to call when they need a British leading jerk. (Press #2 for reality show judge).
Though comically bloody, Sweeney Todd:The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is a rare treat for fans of both theatre and film. Fun, yet connects on a serious emotional level; the film captures the imagination and won’t let go until the shave is complete. Not a bad bargain for 2 bits.
