idcowden
Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 67
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Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 1:39 pm Post subject: Sweeney Todd - Demon Barber of Fleet Street |
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I'm surprised no-one has mentioned the new Jonny Depp film, Sweeney Todd, which of course is more or less a Tim Burton take on Sondheim's musical.
We saw it over the weeked, and it's bloody good (pardon the pun). It has been pruned a little, but rather than the crass pop videos that Lloyd -Weber produces this is a really well done film musical. the weakest cast member is Helena Bonham Carter who deliveres the worst worst pies in london ever seen, but you warm to her through the film, and she works very well for the later songs. Vocally she always sounds over miked and is the only character where you know that the vocals aren;t coming from the rooms they are in, but from a sound studio.
Jonny Depp is terrific as is Timothy Spall, and the two young lovers (Johanna and Anthony) are great. I personally wasn't overwhelmed with Tobias's "miracle elixir" song, but Sacha baron Cohen is great as Pirelli.
Not for the squemish, there is tons of blood and gore, but the film is a great night out. |
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dottie-may
Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Posts: 56
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Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 4:59 pm Post subject: |
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Well, I ventured to our local multiplex a couple of weeks ago - first time in a cinema for too many years to even remember! But Sweeney Todd is one of my favourite musicals so thought I'd risk it.
I was very impressed. It's beautifully shot and I coped well with most of the cast and the few cuts!
Although Helena Bonham Carter acted brilliantly, I was a little disappointed with her voice. I found a lot of the humour in her songs was lost because of the thinness of the voice and lack of clarity but it could well be that's how Tim Burton wanted it - more 'ordinary' and dark rather than played for comedy.
I would have liked a rather stronger ending - it did seem to deflate in the very final scene instead of shock.
Overall though, I enjoyed it - a stage musical that has translated effectively to the big screen! _________________ "I'm a firm believer in not having to play the hand you're dealt." |
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