Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Tim Burton has done it again! He went out on a limb and created another cinemagraphic piece of art. If you like Burton's style or not, he is always a good conversation piece simply because he creates films like no one else in the industry.

In this adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's Musical, which won a Tony award in 1979, Burton makes a horror film in the style of the old horror flicks that were over the top in gore, and created a romantic horror movie musical.

I initially thought that this was going to be an extremely gory movie, however with the gallons and gallons of fake blood per victim, the gore is simply not gory.

Johnny Depp stars in the film as the singing serial killer barber, hellbent on revenge for loosing his wife and daughter to the corrupt Judge Turpin (Alan Rickman). Yes, I said singing... Johnny Depp sings throughout - along with the rest of the stellar cast. I do not always enjoy Johnny Depp's films, however, I am always amazed in the versatility in role and the brilliant skill he excecutes each character. As different as Depp's roles are (Capt. Jack Sparrow, Edward Scissorhands, Willy Wonka), The consistent threads that run through all roles is that each one is always sexy (sometimes oddly so) and extremely eccentric. Sweeney Todd is no exception.

There is a young man that plays a very strong supporting role as Toby, a house boy, Mr. Ed Sanders. He has very little film roles to his credit, however his singing voice and acting skill say Mr. Sanders has a very bright future on stage and screen. I look forward to seeing him in upcoming productions.

Sweeney Todd is probably going to be in the mix for the Oscars. The one category that I truly believe it is worthy of an Oscar is for Costume Design and Adapted Screenplay. The best actor and actress categories are going to be tough this year, but I think Depp and Carter are both worthy of the honor.

Is this a full price film - if you like movie musicals absolutely yes. If not, it is worth the watch from the comforts of home.

My Personal Opinion Side Note: Movie adaptations of Broadway Musicals are never as good as the theatrical production: RENT, Grease, Jesus Christ Superstar just to name a few.

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