Difference in Opinion

Tim Burton goes back to his darker routes with his newest Johnny Depp collaboration, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Already nominated for many awards, loved by some, hated by others, Sweeney Todd is sure to invoke some emotion from you in one way or another.

Sweeney Todd is a very dark and twisted musical that got it’s start as a stage performance. Based on a Stephen Sondheim musical, Sondheim worked closely with Burton to make the movie an adaptation he was proud to associate his name with. Most musicals have a since of joy and magic to them, while Sweeney Todd has very little joy and happiness. The story is about a man stripped of his life and family who turns against the world, then decides to seek his revenge out on society with the blade of his straight razor.

Being a big Tim Burton fan myself, I knew I would enjoy the movie. Burton has recently strayed from his darker films (Batman, Batman Returns, Beetlejuice, Sleepy Hollow, etc.) and gone toward more traditional movies (Planet of the Apes, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Big Fish). Although his newer films still retain his wit, his unique style, and his strange look, they have lost the dark and twisted appeal that I love so much about his films. Sweeney Todd is definitely dark and twisted though, possibly his most dark to date.

With Johnny Depp’s incredible acting and Tim Burton behind the camera, it is hard to go wrong. Depp is joined by an amazing cast including but not limited to Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall, and Sacha Baron Cohen. Be forewarned that there is quite a lot of blood in the movie. It shouldn’t be interpreted as traditional blood though, as it is over emphasized, overly red, and paints the setting and tone of the movie. Other than the graphic violence of the movie, most people should appreciate the excellent singing, cast, and script.

Final Score: 9 out of 10