Stunning Nightmare of Humor Filled with Bloody Revenge

Rating: 6/10 (29 June 2008)

As I have heard of this movie, I went to see it on the big screen not so much due to the story but foremost because of Johnny Depp whose latest performances have occurred to me as outstanding. His dark role in THE LIBERTINE, his moving depiction in FINDING NEVERLAND or his interesting portrayals in PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN result in pretty successful movies. Therefore, for me, SWEENEY TODD was, I could say, a true vehicle for a celebrity. And I was not disappointed: Johnny Depp does a terrific job as Benjamin Barker - a riddle man, with almost a demon-like spell whose new shop trembles the London of his time. Yet, what else is there left in the film that one could find worth seeing?
It is true that SWEENEY TODD is a very macabre story, which is executed in an explicit way. It's for sure not a film for youngsters or sensitive people who easily get into changeable moods. Since there are lots of scenes when the main character simply cuts the throats of his customers and throws the bodies into the "cellar kitchen", it's naturally harmful and not easy to bear. How can the blood spouting from the throats be not disturbing and disgusting? Considering this aspect only, I certainly do find the film harmful. As I have discussed this aspect in many of my comments, I could again ask the same question: What is the idea of showing such terrible acts and, moreover, making fun of murder? However, if you look at this movie from a different perspective, then you will notice something captivating. Therefore, let me skip the moral side in the content and try to analyze SWEENEY TODD solely as the movie.
The film will stun you as a very well managed direction with marvelous cinematography, perfect camera-work, wonderful shots, breathtaking reconstruction of London and, to my great surprise, good musical features. If you consider the scenes in the streets of London, you realize that attention is being paid to every single detail. The mood supplied by cinematography and shots is unforgettable. As for musical, SWEENEY TODD can boast something many musicals lack nowadays - genuineness. Sometimes, musicals are filled with fake moments that discourage many people. Consequently, they claim to detest musicals. This one, however, is valuable. It has all the convincing themes a good musical should have: love, revenge, sorrow, a bit of sentimentality and a visual aspect enriched and embedded by music.
But the true advantage of the movie are many leading performances. Except for the aforementioned Johnny Depp, I very much liked Helena Bonham Carter in the role of Mrs Lovett, Alan Rickman as the villain Jugge Turnip (does he always have to play the villains?) and deliciously beautiful Jane Wisener in the role of Johanna. Who can forget the moment Jugde Turnip visits Mr Todd for the first time? The expression on the face of Johanna while Anthony sings "I feel you...I'll steal you" is also memorable. But, indeed there are also performances that leave much to be desired. I did not like Jamie Campbell Bower in the role of Anthony. He should have put more heart into his performance. It seems that he does not feel the role whatsoever!
All in all, what to think of SWEENEY TODD? After seeing the macabre and unpredictable ending, you may have mixed feelings about particular scenes and about the movie in general. What is it? a horror? a thriller? a dark comedy? or just a movie meant to shock and entertain at the same time? It is, for sure, a bloody revenge and a nightmare, perhaps, but a stunning one with a dark sense of humor. Strange mix, indeed but worth a look.