Outstanding Adaptation of a Very Difficult Piece

Rating: 10/10 (23 December 2007)

When I saw the very first preview I was terrified that Tim Burton had really mucked it up. I must admit that my fears were unwarranted. This is definitely the best film Burton has ever directed. His direction and Johnny Depp's performance make this film adaptation of the Sondheim stage masterpiece succeed beyond all expectation. There are quite a few of the top film critics who have thoroughly embraced this movie. I'm so glad it is getting its well deserved accolades. I saw the first run on Broadway before it won all the Tony Awards. I know this piece very well. The changes and deletions from the stage version are reasonable and increase the success of the transfer to film. Stage to film adaptations are the most difficult of all. It is amazing how many stage works are making it to the filming process. It is a testament that imagination and intelligence are not completely dead in the film world. Although I knew exactly what was coming, I wasn't prepared for the sweep of blood and pathos at the end. It was powerful and poignant. Depp deserves credit for keeping this compelling from beginning to the bloody end. He will definitely get my vote!