Tim Burton’s latest film, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, the morality play of revenge set in 19th century London, may represent a new genre of film. It contains the dark cartoonish stylings that Burton is known for, but Todd is a musical, described as a black operetta.
Accomplished actors make the film. Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter are outstanding actors-- as well as singers it turns out. Burton wanted actors who could sing instead of the converse and the play-turned-movie responds well to the elements of style, acting and music. The New York Times correctly calls it “a masterpiece.”
The Los Angeles Times reviewer praises the screenplay and the Stephen Sondheim soundtrack for its fidelity to the stage version. While an R-rated musical may not have broad enough appeal to be a financial success, Sweeney Todd is an excellent film. It’s different from most movies I’ve seen and perhaps the most entertaining in years.
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