Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

When Tim Burton was first approached to direct the film version of Stephen Sondheim’s classic musical “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” he had just one leading man in mind … Johnny Depp. The only obstacle standing in his way was whether Depp could sing….

Not only can he hold a tune but it seems Johnny Depp was born to play the insane barber of Fleet Street.

For those like me not familiar with the musical, “Sweeney Todd” is basically a revenge tale set in 19th century London.  The young Sweeney Todd is sent to a penal colony on false charges by the cruel Judge Turpin, who has designs on Todd’s beautiful young wife.

Having lost all, Sweeney Todd returns to London 15 years later to seek revenge on those who destroyed his life. He rents his old room above Mrs Lovett’s pie shop. Here he sets up a barbershop where he does a lot more than just close shaves.

Burton, as you would expect, fashions a foreboding, dark film, peppered with his usual brand of macabre humour.  The film is an hour shorter than the stage show, so musical numbers have been shortened, some even cut. On one level this worked well, as music on film is notoriously hard to pull off. Yet the overall effect is a little soulless. The film needs a few more scenes or dare I say songs to be truly satisfying. 

Visually, the film is stunning. Production designer Dante Ferretti creates a gloomy, oppressive London offering little respite or hope. Together with Burton’s direction the film has a distinct theatrical quality, which works well.

The performances are stunning. Depp of course is superb and Alan Rickman as Judge Turpin is chilling. But the standout for me is Helena Bonham Carter, with her deadpan delivery and high pitched singing voice, her Mrs Lovett is wicked and vulnerable, an emotive mix.

The music, direction and performances are all terrific. However, the bleak story of one man’s unrelenting need for revenge left me a little cold.

This is definitely a visual feast. 3.5 stars.