Faultless! A work of genius

Rating: 10/10 (23 December 2007)

Let me prefix this short review by saying that, I'm no fan of musicals so was somewhat apprehensive about this movie. I am, however, a long time big fan of Burton's work.
True to form, Burton's latest looks absolutely stunning. Every single camera angle is imaginative in a way that most directors could only dream of accomplishing. The desaturation of the color frames the mood perfectly, and of course there is Burton's usual contrast with this macabre scene to the brightly lit dreamworld of the pie lady.
The performances are outstanding. Depp and Bonham-Carter are perfectly cast (I wonder if Burton knows there are other actors out there!), and pull off their roles superbly. All support cast are tremendous too, although I must say I'm getting a little bored with Spall's performances - very much a one trick pony.
I'll be first in line when this comes out on DVD. In fact, I may just buy an HD/BluRay player to see this at its best.
(One issue: the picture at my local cinema had a very strange shake throughout, most noticeable when there was a bright area contrasting with the dark around it. Very strange - anyone else see this?)