Expected much, got more

Rating: 10/10 (27 December 2007)

Who else could play the roles that Depp has? The true actor--the chameleon--is so rare. Depp, Oldman, Norton...few others. People think "actor" equals the much-attended-to Clooney, Damon, Pitt, but what is their range, really? Could they become the Libertine one minute and Wonka the chocolatier the next? Never.
This was wonderful. Despite the warnings of excessive gore, I honestly didn't find that distraction in abundance. Yes, many people bit it, but those in mid-reverie, so to speak, didn't have time to bleed before they were slalomed off to the basement.
Normally, I don't seek out violence, but this wasn't gratuitous. It showed the decline of a good man into indifferent amorality, the meanwhile entertaining us with some humor, some pathos, and some darn good singing.
I loved the atmosphere because it was completely appropriate, here. Occasionally, I think Burton's a bit too dark (does he know what a comb looks like? Do any of his characters? Just asking...). Loved the way the sea of folk passed around Sweeney as he sang and then the scene returned to the loft.
Having not seen the play nor knowing much about it save the rudiments, I was totally taken aback by the ending.
Amazing work from everyone.