Rated R for graphic bloody violence.
2 Hours and 27 Minutes
Directed By: Tim Burton
Written By: John Logan and Stephen Sondheim
Staring: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall, Sasha Baron Cohen, Jamie Campbell Bower, and Jayne Wisener
No! Not Barker. That man is dead. It’s Todd, now. Sweeney Todd. And he shall have his revenge… -Sweeney Todd
Review
An honest barber in London by the name of Benjamin Barker has a lovely new wife and child, but the Judge who runs the city takes a liking to Barker’s little family. So much that he frames Barker with a crime he did not commit. After fifteen years of being incarcerated Barker has returned in search of his wife and daughter, only to discover his wife poisoned herself years before and the judge has held his daughter Johanna in his guardianship. Looking unidentifiable from his former self Barker calls out revenge and denies his former being. He has now taken on the persona of Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber From Fleet Street, and he will not stop until he has his revenge.
The cinematography of this movie is quite possibly the best I’ve seen in a Tim Burton film, which is a considerable feat. The gritty appearance of London brings my imagination to a time when Jack The Ripper ruled the streets and the city was filled with darkness and fear. The paleness of skin, and the greys and blacks make for a very ominous and depressing feeling, where hope lies dormant buried in a locked box with no key.
Tim Burton has an insatiable knack for being able to portray the tortured soul in a way that makes them easily embraced and almost heroic. Perhaps there is reluctance at times, but heroic actions nonetheless. Sweeney Todd is the essence of a tortured soul trying to find meaning in the darkness of his existence, but for him he will find no relief until his final stroke of vengeance is met.
Sweeney Todd is a very different movie for Burton, not just because it’s a musical, but because of it’s very complicated plot with many character’s with very different but very powerful motivators that drive each of them throughout the entirety of the film.
The depth to where Sweeney Todd’s madness drove him and the final scenes remarkable shocks and surprises make the ending 
horrifying and perfectly poetic at the same time. What a delectable lesson about letting vengeance rule our lives. It only leads to even darker places and a remorse that is unforgivable.
Johnny Depp delivers yet another amazing performance. He is truly one of the most gifted actors of our time. Not only does he play a demented, maniacal, vengeance driven man, he is singing while doing it. He is obviously not a trained singer but his voice has a very enjoyable musicality about him that works for Todd’s character. In fact he was shockingly good. Alan Rickman is such a gifted actor. His performance in Sweeney shows his strong ability to play a villain very unlike anyone else. He countered Depp’s performance perfectly, and they both made a balance in the film. Just an observation, but it occurs to me that Helena Bonham Carter may be growing tired of wearing black eye makeup, though she is still stunning in her madness. She, like Depp, fits into Tim Burton films like a Butcher to his blade. The supporting cast was remarkable. It was an entrancing ensemble.
It is rather clear why this film has been given an “R” rating, and quite simply I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone who doesn’t enjoy the sight of blood, but for people who haven’t enjoyed Tim Burton’s past work, this is a film you may find a differing opinion in. While it may contain your typical Tim Burton touches of elegant darkness and visuals, this is a completely different film for him. I implore anyone to rent this. It is not my favorite Tim Burton film, but it is certainly some of his best work. It was a film full of amazing acting, stunning visuals, a fantastic score with brilliant songs, and an engaging story. It was certainly one of the best movies of the year. I rate Sweeney Todd Four out of Four bloody stars.
I just loved this movie. I thought Johnny Depp put on a GREAT performance it was different seeing him in a musical but of course he took to the role with no problem it is johnny depp were talking about lol. And as for tim burton another great film no suprise there!!!
I really like your review of this movie. I am a big fan of musicals and was not quite sure how this movie would work out, I went to see it in the cinema twice when it came out and my friends were not really impressed at all. But I think it is a masterpiece.
Another thing which amused about the cinema was lots of people afterwards saying they did not realise that it was a musical ?!?!
Jessa,
Get ready then. Tim Burton and Johnny Depp are teaming up for Alice In Wonderland with Depp playing the Mad Hatter. This is going to be spectacular.
Caz,
Thanks!
That is a bit peculiar that people were surprised it was a musical. It was based on a musical and was advertised as one as well. I guess some people pay more attention to the actors on the billing than the actual plot! Ha!
Heather- Alice in wonderland really???? Thats awesome…….I cant’t wait!!!!!
Tim Burton is my all time favorite writter he different and has a mysterios charm,, you are very imaginative i love all your books and movies.. i think you should do a second part of edward scissor hands that would be exciting only in edwards view though he should be telling the story i was left thinking what was of him after the last time hed seen kim!
Actually, much like Shock Treatment to Rocky Horror, there was a small, little known follow up to Edward Scissor hands.
Rather than being re-discovered by another door to door cosmetic sales person, it was a rep. from Vivid Entertainment…..
Link Not Safe For Work:
Marc
man i love Travis barker. I will never be as good as him at drums but at least i can try.
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