May 30, 2008

Burton and Depp Do Sweeney Todd

So I finally got around to watching last fall's Sweeney Todd adaptation. I've never seen the play, so I can't compare it to that. And sure, if amazing singing performances were the goal you wouldn't cast Mr. Depp or Ms. Bonham Carter (especially her). But all that said, I really enjoyed the movie. I thought it was quite effectively done, very Burton, very engaging, and now I'm really rather interested in hearing the score and a Broadway cast recording because it's clearly got great music. While the show's biggest fans might have found it a disappointment, for the average movie-goer who's okay with musicals, I think it was a nice piece of work.

Posted by armand at May 30, 2008 03:22 PM | TrackBack | Posted to Movies


Comments

I guess it helps when you're the director's baby mama. I miss the old Helena Bonham Carter ala Howards End before she got all... Burtonesque.

Posted by: kikimonster at May 30, 2008 03:44 PM | PERMALINK

dramaturgically speaking, i think depp's voice would exceed that of many many more formally strong singers in that role. he wasn't an actor who sung mediocre in that role; he was an actor whose voice perfectly fit it. maybe if musicals were more welcoming to the unconventionally voiced, i'd be more receptive to them.

anyway, i thought the movie was fantastic, not least because for the first time in a few movies burton was really just burton, and brilliantly so. the material was incredible.

Posted by: moon at May 30, 2008 04:01 PM | PERMALINK

Well I too thought his singing was perfect for the film. I just meant that if someone was longing for amazing vocal feats that might prefer someone else. But yeah, as Todd, in this adaptation - just right.

Posted by: Armand at May 30, 2008 05:44 PM | PERMALINK

I hadn't watched it either until this week, and my impression is similar to yours. Initially I was surprised that they kept that much singing, expecting something more like Moulin Rouge (you know, more talking in between). I did think it started kind of slow, but eventually I got into it.

Kikimonster, I'm with you. She was also much cuter before she got so pointy.

Posted by: binky at June 1, 2008 09:20 AM | PERMALINK
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