Tim Burton is my 2nd favourite director of all time (next to Wes Anderson) but even i was worried when i heard about his new project, and that it was going to be a musical. I knew nothing of Sweeny Todd's narrative or its themes, so to me it could of been anything. It could of been a cheesy musical, but luckilly it was not. It's a violent , epic story that burton was able to sprinkle with his own taste for the strange and unusual.
Sweeny Todd sees burton teaming with Johnny Depp for the 6th time. Depp pulls in a solid performance here, but he's not the only one here. Helena Bonham Carter delivers what i think was the finest performance of the film that added the humour and charm to the film. The interaction between the two was engaging and they worked together very well. Sacha Baron Cohen brings a short but memorable performance tro the film, his shave-off with sweeny is one of the many highlights of this movie. Alan Rickman plays the villian of the film with a quiet menace that is another wellocmed element of sweeny todd.
Now to my biggest fear, the music. I was suprised that i really enjoyed the musical elements of this film, ranging from the sinister / dark songs to the funny and quirky (By the Sea). Tim Burton was able to bring a sense of danger, elements of violence and humour when needed to these songs.
If i was going to point out something i didn't enoy it would be the romantic storyline between the character Anthony and Johanna. There i felt it starting turning into your conventional musical and slushy romantic storylines did not benefit this film at all.
All in all, Sweeny todd is a fantastic piece of work. Tim Burton has managed to create a visually appealing film, strong performances by all involved. Sweeny Todd has made a musical fan outa me ! (as long as they have violence and blood)
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