Sunday, July 26, 2009

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Reprinted courtesy of Sean C. At the Movies

Sweeney Todd marks the 6th collaboration between Tim Burton and Johnny Depp (see Edwad Scissorhands, Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, Corpse Bride, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). Based on a Stephen Sondheim musical, Burton's version is dark and brooding. The songs amplify this mood and make the bloody imagery even more unsettling.

Sweeney Todd's quest for revenge against those who wronged him and his family is understandable and the final irony (you need to watch this Romeo & Julietesque moment for yourself) leaves you speechless. This serves as a ying to the yang of the love story between Anthony and Johanna. This formula creates a film that leaves you cheering for both the lovers and the murderer.

In this modern age of vigilante justice, Sweeney Todd can serve as a warning to others, that while perceived justice may be served, but karma is a bitch.

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