Depp animates a tragic hero yet again

Rating: 9/10 (23 December 2007)

A few words about Tim Burton's production of what has been performed as live theatrical performance up until now (as far as I know there hasn't been a movie made of it previously). Fans of Burton's admirable ability to capture a tragic hero's quest for finding a niche in a cruel world -- a world that has no understanding, and less tolerance, for misfits -- will not be disappointed in Sweeney Todd.
Where there is a possibility that live performers have captured the torment of Sweeney, it is certain that Johnny Depp succeeds. He exudes torment. He is a man driven. Obsessed even. He brings Sweeney, a man who is, in all spiritual respects a walking corpse, to life. He's a man who has been driven to madness by the cruelty of human nature turned against him, yet manages to keep enough wits about himself to wreak a considerable amount of payback.
The rest of the cast shows no flaw. A short but sweet cameo by Sasha Baron Cohen, is the only splash of color other than red in the dreariness of the geographical and human landscape. The young lad who gets drawn into the madness looks like he will have an acting career ahead of him. Helena Bonham Carter, Tim Burton's long-term partner, has nailed her role as the consummately common baker of meat pies, expert roach smasher, and unrequited lover. Alan Rickman plays the perverse villain with his usual flair. I like the closeups of his face, which is gathering even more character, believe it or not, as he ages. His loyal, sneering manservant (sorry his name escapes me, but he plays a similar minion in Enchanted) adds his talents to the mix. The naives playing the roles of sailor and ward are sweet and innocent pawns unwittingly drawn in as well.
Expect lots of blood and some rather graphic violence as the bodies hit the floor.
Expect to be surprised by the pleasant sounds of Depp and Bonham-Carter's voices.