Burton's Gothic horror visual feast.

Rating: 8/10 (31 May 2011)

Although this is a Stephen Sondheim musical, the film adaptation is truly a Tim Burton work of art. Sondheim provided wonderful material to work with and Burton took his twisted, perverse sense of style and bravado to create a lasting impression on the senses that is sure to be remembered for years to come.
Even more impressive is the fact that the entire crew sings its own parts. This makes Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter's roles all the more astonishing, especially since neither of them had sung professionally prior to this. But natural talent they have and their on- screen chemistry is as good as need be; they are the perfect oddly admirable yet terribly creepy couple.
Still, it is Burton who leaves the biggest impression on this film; his use of blood alone is worth your time. The sets are gorgeously bleak and dank, the costumes almost reek of decay and dirt, and the camera swoops to and fro as we witness a man completely consumed with revenge so as to blind him from everything the world still offers. Definitely not for the faint of heart, but people should realize this is pure fictional fantasy and great entertainment as well. The blood flows freely, almost aesthetically, symbolizing the release of Sweeney Todd's pent-up anger and disgust with humanity. Tim Burton's visual style was never more perfect for material than this; the result is nothing less than remarkable.