SWEENEY TODD

Directed by: Tim Burton

Written by: John Logan Based on the play by Stephen Sondheim & Hugh Wheeler and also the play by Christopher Bond

Starring: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jamie Campbell Bower, Laura Michelle Kelly, Jayne Wisener, Ed Sanders

Distributed by Paramount Pictures, Dreamworks & Warner Bros.

Film will be released on Region 1 on 2 Disc DVD on April 1st 2008 from retailers such as Amazon for $22.99

Film will be released on Region 2 on 2 Disc DVD on May 19th 2008 from retailers such as Play.com for £12.99

Review by Ray DeRousse

Film:

rating: 2.5

DVD Set:

rating: 5

Even though the highly-lauded Sweeney Todd failed to receive much love at last month's Academy Awards, Dreamworks has pulled out all of the stops in this comprehensive collector's edition worthy of an Oscar winner. THE FILM I hate most musicals. The form usually falls into one of two formulas: Musicals in which the characters break into song because they are part of a stage performance or theatrical spectacle. Films like Victor/Victoria, All That Jazz, and Chicago fall into this category. The characters are singing because they are stage performers, or onstage performing. Musicals in which the characters break into song every time they need to take a shit, blow their nose, or walk casually into the kitchen. Sadly, most musicals fall into this latter category. To me, having a character suddenly erupt into song is jarring. It instantly removes me from the believability of a scene. And if the characters must start singing, then the melodies had better be pretty damn catchy. With Tim Burton'sSweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Stephen Sondheim's crappy songs are truncated, only adding to the annoyance. Once again, we are bombarded by Burtonisms: swooping, cartoony camerawork, moody lighting, weird, Seussian hairstyles, and Gothic attics. As I indicated in my look back at Burton's Edward Scissorhands,this hyperbolic directorial style had already worn out its welcome back in 1990. While it suits this musical well, it's not a good thing when the viewers are more interested in the look than they are in the material. Johnny Depp dons yet another tangled wig, wriggling his eyebrows and widening his eyes to try and bring Sweeney Todd's obsessive quest to life. It's a weak performance - probably unworthy of a Best Actor nomination - and is saved only by the razor-sharp physical timing that has become Depp's trademark. Much better is Helena Bonham Carter as the quirky Mrs. Lovett, although that's not saying much. Carter looks the part perfectly, and if the role required only a physical presence, then both Depp and Carter would be perfectly cast. Which leads me to the secondary complaint about Sweeney Todd. If the fucking characters need to sing, then at least give us actors who can carry a tune. Watching Depp and Carter wring any kind of emotion out of these limp Sondheim songs is excruciating. Better singers could have at least provided some vocal fireworks, but out of the throats of Depp and Carter they take on a cringe-worthy tone. Throughout the film I waited for someone to grab a razor and slit their throats. Overall, the film is beautiful to watch, painful to hear, and utterly pointless. It's time for Burton to make a quiet domestic drama. THE EXTRAS AMAZING!! This is one of those times when the extras outshine the main feature. In honor of the incredible work of the DVD artists, I will go through them one by one: Burton + Depp + Carter = Todd- This takes a behind the scenes look at the rehearsals for the film. Wondrously detailed, it shows the palpable chemistry between all three artists. I can definitely see why they tend to gravitate toward one another on these projects. Sweeney Todd is Alive: The Real History of the Demon Barber - This takes a fascinating look at the historical record of Sweeney Todd. Surprisingly long, this documentary uncovers several facts about the real identity of this legendary figure. Musical Mayhem: Sondheim's Sweeney Todd - A long look at the development of Sondheim's hit musical. It unfortunately leaves out an explanation as to why this thing was a hit. Sweeney's London - Another historical documentary, this time detailing the area of London in which the story allegedly took place. Lots of then-and-now photos help to set the stage. It's amazing how much has remained in London!! The Making of Sweeney Todd - The requisite behind the scenes doc, with nice glimpses into the directorial methods of Burton. This doc floored me with the long passes at the huge sets designed for this film. It's very anti-George Lucas. Grand Guignol: A Theatrical Tradition- LOVED this nice doc about the history of the Grand Guignol, which very much informs this musical and film adaptation. Once again, many of the old sites that once housed Grand Guignol plays still stand in London to this day, which just amazes me. A Bloody Business - Gore and special effect hounds will adore this extensive look at the wizardry used to bring realism to the gashed throats and rivers of blood in Sweeney Todd. Moviefone: Unscripted with Tim Burton and Johnny Depp - These two finish each other's sentences like an old married couple. A rare thing in today's Hollywood. OVERALL If you're a fan of Burton, Sondheim, or theatrical history, then this two-disc collection is worth the price. The film has enough zing in it to keep you entertained, but the extras will inform you and enrich you. To me - a hater of musicals - this is an amazing package for a mediocre film. If you liked this movie even slightly more than I did, then this is a must-own.