Film Fetish: "Sweeney Todd..."

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street (2007)
- directed by Tim Burton



After being unjustly exiled by the corrupt Judge Turpin in a plot to usurp his wife and the life he loved so dearly, Benjamin Barker returns to London a changed man and seeking revenge as The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Sweeney Todd.

I hate musicals. Let me qualify that, I hate most musicals... traditional musicals. As far as I can remember the only ones I've been able to get into have been comedies like South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999) and Team America: World Police (2004). There was also Lars Von Trier's Dancer In The Dark (2000). And I was only drawn to them by a preexisting love for their creators; my love of Matt Stone and Trey Parker's comedy and my love of Björk's music. There's always been a hook to the musicals I've loved. I need to find a way in, otherwise they just seem ridiculous. I'm shut out from experiencing musicals in the way that fans of the genre do because I can't make sense of what's going on. Why are these people spontaneously bursting into song? How does everyone know the words? Where's the music coming from? This doesn't make sense, it's unnatural! I would have an easier time wrapping my head around them if they treated their performances as soliloquies. In a soliloquy the performer is removed from our reality; it's a window into the mind. I would even be fine with interpreting the songs as metaphors for the relationships of the characters involved, but the songs invariably contain specific information crucial to the plot progression. The songs are almost always symbolic of nothing, they're intended to be actual interactions and conversations. I just don't get it. Believe me, I could go on skewering the medium but that's not why I'm here. :P ;)

Having said all that, I really enjoyed Sweeney Todd... and that should really mean something because it's structured in the way a traditional musical is. It's got everything save for the elaborate dance routines. But the film didn't win me over solely on its strength as a musical. The casting was spectacular; Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter are incredible and the supporting cast is just as strong. But tying it all together is the visionary genius of Tim Burton. Burton is definitely one of the high demigods in my personal pantheon. I don't believe there's been a film he's churned out that I haven't managed to enjoy. I just think he's a great filmmaker and this film... this story was perfectly suited for him and his visual style. The project as a whole is a perfect storm of talent and gore. :P


7.5/10 One of the rare musical experiences I've managed to stomach and enjoy. At its heart, a great revenge film. Violence and vengeance set to Sondheim, what could be better? ;)


DS333, pleasantly surprised.