The Film Junkie

Many have tried and failed to adapt this classic Sondheim murder musical to the big screen.  Over the years projects have been rumoured and fallen through the cracks, but there was clearly a reason why this film could not be made until now.  Tim Burton was made to direct this twisted tale of revenge and bloodlust set to music and Johnny Depp needed to be the right age to be convincing as the titular maniac.

The film follows Sweeney Todd (Depp) a barber whose wife and child were stolen by a corrupt judge (Alan Rickman) and has returned to London to avenge this act.  Along the way he reunites with a former acquaintance Mrs. Lovett (Helena Bonham Carter) who helps him hatch a plan to satisfy his need to kill and her need for fresh meat for her pie shop. 

Needless to say, this is not your typical musical.  It is not for the faint of heart or stomach as the blood flows like water whenever Todd works his magic.  Depp is not the caliber of singer of other surprising movie star double talents like Hugh Jackman or even Ewan Macgregor, however his sullen rock and roll tonality is a perfect match for the gothic nature of both Burton and the material.  Depp is truly Burton’s muse and they continue to grow as a team.

The most surprising thing about this movie is the amazing work by Bonham Carter.  Mrs. Lovett is not an easy role to sing, but she pulls it off with panache.  She steals every scene she is in and makes the film her own.  She has always been an under-rated talent in the world of Hollywood as she was never as safe or glamorous as the Cate Blanchetts or Nicole Kidmans or as personally conflicted as a Winona Ryder.  She is a different kind of actress in that she is as unpredictable as Depp while also bringing a menacing air to the role.

This is a lovely, goth, horrific and romantic musical about loss and what we can be driven to do under the wrong circumstances.  Sondheim’s music is not like anything you have likely heard in a movie musical before as it does not lull or comfort, but challenges and allows you to question.  The songs are like a ballet of words with Depp and Bonham Carter their prima ballerinas.

Magnificent!