Sweeney Todd: A dark, violent, funny masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (31 January 2008)

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is the must-see movie of the year! Tim Burton's visual flare is present in every scene throughout the movie and so is his dark sense of humour. Johnny Depp is once again the main character and boy does he shine! Not only can Depp sing but he takes the role of Sweeney Todd and gives it everything he's got and the product is a dark, twisted creation that is quite frankly the best thing Depp has done. Helena Bonham Carter is Mrs. Lovett and (again), not only can she sing but she also takes her role and gives it her everything and we get a sad, lonely, funny but still twisted character. These two actors are the future of Hollywood, they are willing to take risks (like singing with no previous experience) and make a movie that's unlike anything you have seen.
Primarily this movie is a musical, about 85% of the movie is singing. But it's also a horror with Dario Argento levels of gore. Blood sprays like a fountain when throats are slit and heads explode when they fall through the chute. If you are a fan of both genres, as I am, then you will be in heaven, as I was. The Gothic feel of the film (much like Burton's other stuff) really suits this film, everything is a dull colour and London is a dirty, dreary place. However, the blood is a bright red colour (kinda like paint) and it provides a beautiful contrast which really adds to the film. The songs are all done extremely well by the actors and tell the tragic tale of Sweeney Todd. And all the supporting actors are perfect: Alan Rickman (Judge Turpin), Timothy Spall (Beadle Bamford) and Sasha Baren Cohen (Pirelli).
I highly recommend this unique, gory, funny and deep musical/horror. It's a visual treat and every actor can sing and act amazingly well.
5/5