Sweeney Todd: Burton's Miracle Elixir
The atypically kooky filmic style of the one and only Tim Burton is once again exhibited in his latest film, “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”. Featuring components that are ever so “Burton-esque” in his own right, every avenue of the film continues to live up to the high, amusing and abstract perceptions that the Depp-Burton collaborations have attracted over the years with films such as Edward Scissorhands, Sleep Hollow and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The target audience for a film such as this seems to be a lot smaller compared to the audience Depp attracted for movies such as the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, but nonetheless he continues to live up to the high expectations and speculation surrounding the film. Depp’s characterisation of the Demon Barber is mesmerising, even throughout the most gruesome of scenes. His characterisation allows the audience to completely immerse themselves in the many sides of the multi-faceted character and as such find it more than difficult to turn away from the screen, even in the extremely realistic throat slitting scenes.
Being his first on-screen attempt at singing, in particular in the musical theatre genre, Depp has been both praised and criticised for his musical debut. Some claimed that he sounds like a karaoke singer whilst others printed that his melodic characterisation on screen has rivalled the Broadway performance. In my opinion, the way in which Johnny Depp has masterfully encompassed the tragic and miserable undertones inherent in not only his character of Sweeney Todd but also within the entire film is most accurately reflected in his voice both when speaking and singing. Due to its use of camera angles and scene sets, over-exaggeration is not required in characterisations in films such as this and because of this notion, his singing adds to the overall perception and understanding of the movie. Johnny Depp’s characterisations are always so engaging, and his development of Sweeney Todd is no exception.
In addition, praise must go to Helene Bonham Carter for her characterisation of Mrs. Lovett in this film. She truly proved her place on screen opposite Johnny Depp and that is not purely because she is married to and has children with the director, Mr Burton himself. Some may say that the only reason she attained the lead female role was because of the aforementioned notion that she is indeed married to Tim Burton; however, I truly believe that no one else within the Hollywood industry could have portrayed Mrs Lovett the way Bonham-Carter did, making the character more than her own in the film. As an audience member I was drawn to her, I empathised and sympathised with her during every moment in the film.
Finally, just a quick acknowledgement to the Borat man himself, Sacha Baron Cohen. Who would have thought that for someone to make the transition from a fluorescent yellow mankini to supporting actor opposite two of the most acclaimed actors in the Hollywood circuit and own the character of Pirelli as he did, would be possible?
Kudos to him!
Sweeney Todd is indeed a gruesome film, encompassing the true Tim Burton style associated with the majority of his films. The sepia tone that the entire film is set in, the script and songs as well as the intensity of the actors’ characterisations and journeys truly makes this film one you have to see. Look past the gore, and into what is really going on. Tim Burton is most definitely a master of the screen. The way his mind works is most definitely astounding! Look closely and try to find similar traits from the film inherent in other movies of his such as Sleepy Hollow, Edward Scissorhands and even Charlie and the Chocolate factory. It really is no wonder as to why this film and its actors were nominated for and won at the Emmys and the Oscars.
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I really enjoyed the film too, will be posting my own critique eventually..up there with Depp's best like Dead Man, Edward ScissorHands, Ed Wood and Fear and Loathing.
Lavish look, decadently macabre and wonderful songs...
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Thanks,
Jon.
(Guy who runs Orble with Charles)