Review of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007) by Kyle20Ellis — 31 Mar 2022

For starters I like Tim Burton. He has been hit and miss this decade(Planet of the Apes being his worst), but when he is good(Edward Scissorhands, Batman, Ed Wood, Vincent, Beetle Juice and Big Fish) he is good. While not my personal favourite of his films, Sweeney Todd was very well done. Is it as good as the Broadway musical? No, the Broadway musical is a true masterpiece so this movie had a lot to live up to. And is it as good as the 80s stage version with George Hearn and Angela Lansbury? Personally, again I think not. These aside, Burton's take is one of his better works not only this decade but in his career.

Sweeney Todd is a very unique film and very deftly realised. Few musicals have tackled such a dark theme or have boasted such a distinctive look, but this works extremely well. Burton directs wonderfully, and the script is deliciously macabre. The production design won an Oscar, and deservedly so, as it is astounding with all the palette of blacks and greys that contrast perfectly with Sweeney's cut-throat razor. Likewise with the music, Stephen Sondheim's songs and score are simply magnificent though I was disappointed at the omission of Sweeney's ballad which is superlative. The story is just as macabre as the script with a suitably grotesque and over-the-top last act and the murders are very, very bloody.

Last but not least the acting. What can I say? Nothing wrong as far as I can see. Johnny Depp is a wonderful and charismatic presence, and Helen Bonham Carter matches him perfectly as Mrs Lovett. Neither are trained vocalists, but they get into their songs with gusto and also tackle cockney accents and do an above-average job there too. Plus Alan Rickman's(who I love) Judge Terpin is the epitome of evil. All in all, an atmospheric and deliciously dark film and one of Burton's best.