In 1979, a Broadway musical titled, “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” opened to the public. Loosely based on a Penny Dreadful (cheap book costing a penny) called, “The String of Pearls,” it’s a about a British man named, Benjamin Barker. A barber falsely guilty by a corrupt judge named, Turpin. He sentences him for exile in Australia. Fifteen Years Later, Benjamin returns to London under a new identity, Sweeney Todd.” He goes back to his old place. Sweeney meets Mrs. Lovett. A baker becomes his associate. Sweeney seeks revenge on Turpin.
Sweeney Todd earned numerous Tony Awards. Nearly Two Decades Later, Tim Burton adapted the musical into a film with his bestie, Johnny Depp as the titular character. Released in 2007, (same year Code Lyoko ended) the film received critical acclaim from critics and movie goers alike. In addition to praise, it also made revenue at the box office. Johnny Depp won a Golden Globe for “Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy.” He was nominated for an Oscar. Unfortunately, Daniel Day-Lewis ultimately won for his performance in “There Will Be Blood.”
I have four legitimate reasons why I wanna share my thoughts on Sweeney Todd.
- The highly anticipated “Joker: Folie a Deux” will be released on October 4, 2024. That’s right, I’m watching and reviewing a few musicals before I see Joaquin Phoenix & Lady Gaga sing and dance together as Joker & Harley Quinn
- “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is now playing in theaters.
- Tim Burton’s working on Wednesday’s second season with Jenna Ortega reprising her role as the titular character.
- It’s Halloween Month. I’ll be watching and reviewing selective horror films. A better alternative than Freeform’s “31 Nights of Halloween.” Which horror films should I watch next? Please leave a comment.
Today’s review contains new SPOILERS. If you haven’t seen this masterpiece, feel free to read my non-spoiler article.
Clean & Messy Qualities
Clean: Johnny Depp did a fantastic job for his performance as the titular character.
Other Cast Members such as Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Sacha Baron Cohen & Timothy Spall all did a decent job for their respective performances.
Tim Burton did a superb job directing.
John Logan (Gladiator, The Last Samauri, Rango) wrote the script. It ain’t his first rodeo writing a film about revenge. “Gladiator” ring any bells?
Musical Numbers are unforgettable with everybody doing their best singing.
Death Scenes are not afraid to pull any punches. As I recall, my pal, Iain stated Tim’s channeling Quentin Tarantino in terms of leaving a crimson stain. This movie isn’t family friendly. If you feel squeamish, bring a barf bag. Speaking of Quentin, he and Robert Rodriguez work on “Grindhouse” back in 2007. The former made “Death Proof.” While the latter made “Planet Terror.”
Cinematography didn’t succumb to technical issues throughout.
Costume Designs and Set Pieces were manually crafted.
Pacing didn’t feel like a drab. I was hooked since the beginning.
Revenge was a trend back in 2007. Don’t believe me? Here’s a list.
- Shrek the Third
- Spider-Man 3
- Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End
- The Bourne Supremacy
- Ocean’s 13
- Balls of Fury
- The Brave One
- Shooter
- Death Sentence
I’m gonna give Kevin Smith credit for introducing me to Sweeney Todd. In his lighthearted dramedy “Jersey Girl,” Ben Affleck’s character, Ollie rushes back to perform with his daughter, Gertie at a school performance of the play they picked. Other kids only picked “Cats.” Kevin Smith called the latter musical as “The second worst thing to happen in New York.” In hindsight, Tom Hooper’s Razzie winning adaptation is considered one of the worst movies ever made. I bet Tim watched Jersey Girl and a lightbulb in his head gave him an idea to adapt Sweeney Todd. I give credit where credit is due.
A Twist Ending changes everything. I cannot tell you all about it. You’ll have to see for yourself. Upon first viewing, it’s worth a rewatch for subtle clues.
Messy: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving Tim and his crew an Extra Point for making a flawless musical as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Although I’m not a big musical fan, I consider Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street as the best (if not the best) musical film ever made. If you’re too impatient for Joker: Folie a Deux, keep yourself occupied with this gem. I think Sweeney Todd is Tim’s best work.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 