Tim Burton’s reworking of Sweeney Todd follows the director’s tradition of making macabre but visually stunning movies.
But fans of Burton will be shocked/delighted (delete as appropriate) to hear that this is a faithful adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s musical and all the original songs have found their way into the film.
Sweeney Todd is the tale of a young man called Benjamin Barker (Johnny Depp) who is living a content life with his wife and child in London until he is arrested by the jealous Judge Turpin (Alan Rickman).
Imprisoned for 15 years under a false charge, Barker finally returns to London to discover that his wife is dead and Turpin is holding his daughter Johanna under lock and key.
Opening a barber shop under his new moniker Sweeney Todd, Barker sets up a sinister partnership with Mrs Lovett (Burton’s wife Helena Bonham Carter) to wreak revenge on his tormentors.
This is quintessential Burton - bleak and gothic but with a touch of humour to balance out some quite frankly gruesome scenes.
Depp is on top form portraying Todd with a fiery-eyed intensity and also proves to be a very adequate singer!
Yet, this film may struggle to find its audience. It may be a bit too bloody and graphic for theatre fans while cinema buffs could be put off by the songs.
Hopefully, both parties will open their minds and give it a try because this is a refreshing change for the world of cinema.
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