In reworking a 3-hour stage musical for a 2-hour screen version, Burton and screenwriter John Logan worked tirelessly to shorten songs, while completely omitting others and still maintaining a sense of forward progress and faithfulness to Sondheim's vision.The outcome is a predictably well-fashioned and well-designed production (as is usually the case with Burton and his crew) set to Sondheim's wonderfully sinister and comedic musical opus. But perhaps the greatest reason why Sweeney Todd really works is due to Burton's use of actors instead of singers.
Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter probably wouldn't make it to Hollywood week on "American Idol," but they make up for it with pure conviction, lending more that just a voice to their characters.
And although most of Burton's films, through their own darkened, ghoulish view, ultimately end on a note of optimism, Sweeney Todd is an unusually tragic affair. It's also easily Burton's best film since the turn of the century - provocatively grotesque and bloody good fun.
Posts
Far and away my favorite Burton film. I agree with you that the use of professional actors was the correct move. Part of me thinks that Burton's inherent storytelling style -- visually arresting and dark -- is suited more towards bloody movies of this ilk, rather than the "PG" rated films. Just a personal feeling.
ReplyDeleteOne more thing: Burton's credit sequences are usually masterful, and this one could be his best.
Yes, it's a great opening, and I meant to do a ranking of his best title sequences, which I believe I'll put it together sometime this weekend. Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteBurton did very well with this. I wish he would have done so with his other recent films.
ReplyDeleteYeah, like 'Alice in Wonderland'.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! This is one of Burton's finest films he has directed. You have a new follower
ReplyDelete