If you're a big fan of scary movies, this film is for you. If you're a big fan of movie musicals, you have also found the right film. If you like Tim Burton films, hop aboard.
Based on one of the greatest recent Broadway musicals, "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" truly lives up to its title. Originally made for the stage in 1979, the story came from an adaptation by Christopher Bond.
The musical, originally starring Len Cariou and Angela Lansbury, won eight Tony awards. It would take over 28 years to translate this masterful musical work to the big screen.
The overture of the film, accompanied by organ music and images of oozing blood, helps set the tone for the horror musical.
Set in the backdrop of 19th century London, the musical starts with Benjamin Barker, alias Sweeney Todd (Johnny Depp), coming into London on a boat with a young sailor, Anthony (Jamie Campbell Bower).
Years ago, Todd/Barker was a successful barber who ended up locked away by Judge Turpin (Alan Rickman). Turpin became enamored of Barker's wife, Lucy.
Todd tells his backstory to Mrs. Lovett (Helena Bonham-Carter) when he steps into her pie shop. Todd vows that he will have his revenge on the judge for what he did. Mrs. Lovett then takes Todd to a vacant flat where she shows him the chest of his barber knives, hidden away for years.
Meanwhile, Todd's daughter, Johanna (Jayne Wisener), now the ward of Judge Turpin, is locked away in her room. Outside the judge's house, Anthony becomes mesmerized by her beauty and finds out that the girl is the judge's ward.
The judge decides to marry his own ward to "shield her off from the dangers of the world," while Anthony plans to run away with Johanna.
A traveling salesman, Dr. Adolfo Pirelli (Sacha Baron Cohen), arrives with his young assistant, Tobias Ragg (Edward Sanders), who promotes the former's quack elixir, which Todd insists is a fraud.
Todd challenges Pirelli to a free shave, meaning who can shave the fastest. Todd wins the challenge. Pirelli's fate is sealed when he reveals to Todd that he knows him from the past. Pirelli's death begins the murderous rampage that takes place for the duration of the movie.
Without giving away the ending, the resolution will leave you breathless.
The performances in the film stay true to the Sondheim musical. Depp buries himself in the role of the sadistic barber seeking revenge. He makes the character look believable and real. Bonham-Carter gives a sweet performance as Todd's ally, Mrs. Lovett.
Most of the songs in the movie ("Johanna," "Pretty Women," "No Place Like London," "Epiphany") are flawless, reminiscent of the spirit of the stage version.
The cutest song is "By the Sea," where Mrs. Lovett fantasizes about her future with Todd.
Overall, this is the best film that Tim Burton has directed. He (and Depp) should be recognized for their work come Oscar season.
