Johnny Depp is Sweeney Todd
August 13th 2007 00:06
OK, this is a bit cheeky of me. I researched and wrote about this film for Film Peek but now I want to add it to my blog so that I could give more of my own flavour to it. Can you see that narcissistic glint in my eye?
I didn’t even know anything about this film until I was mooching around various film sites. It’s certainly caught my attention. I really want to see it for a few reasons; firstly the story of Sweeney Todd has always fascinated me since I was younger and saw theatre productions of it in England as well as reading the book in school. Additionally, I am curious to see the new version of the story as there have already been several, somewhat dodgy-sounding ones, including a television version, The Tale of Sweeney Todd (1992), with Ben Kingsley as Todd and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1982) again another television version, with Angela Lansbury as Smelly Nellie. Now, that version sounds like a nightmare, I can’t stand Angela Lansbury. I know that’s not a nice thing to say, but I’m pretty sure she won’t read this post and will never know what I said, therefore I’m not hurting her feelings.
Okay, that’s enough yabbering about the older versions. This one looks great. The line-up is appealing, both actorly (yes, that isn’t a word....yet) and visually. Let’s start with Johnny Depp. Phoawww. He’s Sweeney Todd, the ostensible fictional demon barber and by simply looking at the poster, he looks like he has embraced his role thoroughly. I can feel his presence from here.
Others actors include Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall and I was surprised/shocked to see Sacha Baron Cohen in there too. It will be interesting to see him in such a different role. I think that choice could go either way, but then that could be said of all actors, so maybe that’s a useless comment. Ah well, it’s Monday morning...that says it all...
Helena Bonham Carter is another actor that I admire and from looking at this picture it looks as though the blend of her and Johnny Depp will work well.
Tim Burton is the director and the studio is Paramount Pictures. Hugh Wheeler wrote the original book but I discovered that there is another adaptation by author Peter Haining. Haining is a horror and crime story writer who argues that Sweeney Todd was a historical figure who did exist and whose crimes were committed around 1800. However, other researchers who have tried to verify his citations find nothing in these sources to support Haining's claims. In his zeal to prove Todd’s existence Haining wrote two books, The Mystery and Horrible Murders of Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street in 1979 and Sweeney Todd: The real story of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street in 1993.
It is this ambiguity surrounding the story that further entices me. I do have a penchant for real crime stories. In my younger days I devoured books about real life crimes like The Moors Murders. I don’t any more, I’m older, less robust and they give me nightmares.
I think I should tell you more about the actual story. Todd, also known as Benjamin Barker returns to London after being sent away by Judge Turpin with the help of a sailor, Anthony Hope. He opens a barber shop above Mrs. Lovett's Meat Pie Shop where she sells, ‘the worst pies in London.’ With Mrs. Lovett’s help, Todd sets out to seek revenge on the judge who he believes wrongfully imprisoned him.
As well as being a barber, Todd is a serial killer. Gosh, talk about multitasking. His weapon is a straight razor that he uses to cut his victim's throats, often in the barber’s chair. In some versions of the story his lover, friend and accomplice, Margery (sometimes Nellie or Claudette) Lovett, cooks meat pies from the victims’ carcasses.
The plot is foreshadowed in the first lines of the opening number: 'Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd. His skin was pale and his eye was odd. He shaved the faces of gentlemen who never thereafter were heard of again.'
The film will be released on the 17th January 2008 in Australia. I’m enticed and waiting.
I didn’t even know anything about this film until I was mooching around various film sites. It’s certainly caught my attention. I really want to see it for a few reasons; firstly the story of Sweeney Todd has always fascinated me since I was younger and saw theatre productions of it in England as well as reading the book in school. Additionally, I am curious to see the new version of the story as there have already been several, somewhat dodgy-sounding ones, including a television version, The Tale of Sweeney Todd (1992), with Ben Kingsley as Todd and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1982) again another television version, with Angela Lansbury as Smelly Nellie. Now, that version sounds like a nightmare, I can’t stand Angela Lansbury. I know that’s not a nice thing to say, but I’m pretty sure she won’t read this post and will never know what I said, therefore I’m not hurting her feelings.
Okay, that’s enough yabbering about the older versions. This one looks great. The line-up is appealing, both actorly (yes, that isn’t a word....yet) and visually. Let’s start with Johnny Depp. Phoawww. He’s Sweeney Todd, the ostensible fictional demon barber and by simply looking at the poster, he looks like he has embraced his role thoroughly. I can feel his presence from here.
Helena Bonham Carter is another actor that I admire and from looking at this picture it looks as though the blend of her and Johnny Depp will work well.
Tim Burton is the director and the studio is Paramount Pictures. Hugh Wheeler wrote the original book but I discovered that there is another adaptation by author Peter Haining. Haining is a horror and crime story writer who argues that Sweeney Todd was a historical figure who did exist and whose crimes were committed around 1800. However, other researchers who have tried to verify his citations find nothing in these sources to support Haining's claims. In his zeal to prove Todd’s existence Haining wrote two books, The Mystery and Horrible Murders of Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street in 1979 and Sweeney Todd: The real story of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street in 1993.
It is this ambiguity surrounding the story that further entices me. I do have a penchant for real crime stories. In my younger days I devoured books about real life crimes like The Moors Murders. I don’t any more, I’m older, less robust and they give me nightmares.
I think I should tell you more about the actual story. Todd, also known as Benjamin Barker returns to London after being sent away by Judge Turpin with the help of a sailor, Anthony Hope. He opens a barber shop above Mrs. Lovett's Meat Pie Shop where she sells, ‘the worst pies in London.’ With Mrs. Lovett’s help, Todd sets out to seek revenge on the judge who he believes wrongfully imprisoned him.
As well as being a barber, Todd is a serial killer. Gosh, talk about multitasking. His weapon is a straight razor that he uses to cut his victim's throats, often in the barber’s chair. In some versions of the story his lover, friend and accomplice, Margery (sometimes Nellie or Claudette) Lovett, cooks meat pies from the victims’ carcasses.
The plot is foreshadowed in the first lines of the opening number: 'Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd. His skin was pale and his eye was odd. He shaved the faces of gentlemen who never thereafter were heard of again.'
The film will be released on the 17th January 2008 in Australia. I’m enticed and waiting.
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Comment by Nickoftime's Sanity Corner
Depp is amazing isn't he? I tell ya, that guy can do just about any role and pull it off perfectly...
I read 'The Demon Barber' years ago, about Todd but I had no idea anyone had made it into a movie...
Just the picture alone gives me the creeps and I'm sure Depp will carry the performance off really well...
I can't wait till this one hits the States...
Thanks for sharing the news...
Take care,
Nick
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
I can't wait. Well written review. Love me some Johnny Depp... (He does look creepy in the poster)
Comment by Chic Critique
Another Burton, Bonham-Carter, Depp collaboration won't go astray - this looks good!
Cheers
CC
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Ohhh, Johnny does look good in those photo's. I really enjoy his collaborations with Tim Burton. They never fail to be interesting.
I'm definitely looking forward to seeing this one
Kylie
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
oh this is definitely one to watch out for. Johnny Depp is such a great actor - I don`t think we get to see enough of him. Edward Scissorhands is still one of my favourite films.
Sacha Baron Cohen is a hoot isn`t he? I used to watch his shows in the UK... how someone can so blatantly take the mick and get away with it still amazes me! He has the right look for a role in a dark movie though - will be interesting to see if he can pull it off.
Thanks for the heads up on this one I look forward to it.
ash
Comment by Lara M
Love Speaks
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Yes, I admire Johnny, I think he's done some great work and often plays quirky, off-beat roles.
So you've read the book too? I read it so long ago that I can't really remember it. I might flick it open before the film comes out.
It is a powerful pic isn't it? It looks like Johnny has embodied the part completely.....
Thanks for popping in,
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Yeppie, Johnny Depp...ooh yes phwoar.
Like you said, it's a great collaboration of Burton, Bonham-Carter and Depp.
I'm really looking forward to this one,
Thanks for popping in,
Byeee
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Good to see you. Yeppie, I'm looking forward to this one, looks like it will be decidedly creepy,
Byeee
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Hello Ash
It’s good to see you. Yes, I also loved Edward Scissorhands as well as Who’s Eating Gilbert Grape. I don't know how many times I've seen those films.
Depp chooses films with an air of quirkiness which I admire. He doesn’t seem afraid to take a risk with his roles.
I also used to watch Ali G, some of it was hilarious. I’m curious to see how he will fare in a non-comedic role. He is adaptable to all sorts of roles so maybe it will go well.
Thanks for your comments,
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Yes, Depp does immerse himself in roles doesn't he? I think that's why his roles seem to work so well. He's a convincing and modifiable actor.
Glad you liked the review, sounds like we're all looking forward to the release of this film.
Thanks for your comments,
Tracy
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I know what you mean. I love the poster, Depp's presence, the way he is sat, how he's looking straight at the camera and has his weapon in his hand. He's a man that looks scared of no one.
It’s one of the best and most effective film posters I’ve seen in a while.
Thanks for popping in,
Tracy
Comment by Jessicca
Health 2 Know
Learning Something Everyday
Daily History
Malaysia Found
Great review Tracy.
Have a blessed day
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Yes, that's true. It will be scary but enticing and exciting too...I know I'm going to see it....
Glad you enjoyed the review, thanks for popping in,
Tracy
Comment by Sarah White
coolgirlsar to the rescue
One Too Many Chocolate Bars
Take Care.
Sarah. xxx
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
It's good to see you. Yes, I think this is a superb cast, I also have faith that it will work.
Are you in the UK? When I was there it seemed that some films took longer to be released there, unless I'm wrong?
Thanks for your comments,
Tracy