[NEohioPAL] Unsolicited Review of Sweeney Todd film with Johnny Depp

[mary faktor]

Hi Neohiopalers:
 
Last week I was excited to be included in a special preview showing of upcoming film Sweeney Todd directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp.  Having seen the theatrical production twice and the PBS Broadway version with Angela Landsbury, and looking forward to Martin Friedman's upcoming production with Dan Folino and MaryAnn Nagel, I was anxious and thrilled to see what magic would be created in the film version.  
 
Being familiar with the plot, I assumed the "R" rating was for the "dark" plot of murder and human meat pie consumption.  I fully anticipated the director would "enhance" the murder scenes in the film compared to the relatively tame portrayal of these actions on stage.  I was not, however, prepared for what I experienced.
 
Johnny Depp, Helena Bondham Carter and the others all deliver impeccible acting performances, vocals are good, costumes and sets outstanding, ("By the Sea" was marvelous).  The film is good...heck it's already been nominated for 4 Golden Globes...there's no debating it's very well made and the director and everyone in it is extremely talented.   
 
My objection is about the EXTREMELY violent, graphic, bloody throat-slitting scenes repeated over and over and over again for shock value.  This was (in my opinion) totally unnecessary and personally ruined this Sondheim musical masterpiece for me.  I couldn't understand why Mr. Burton chose to show the murders in the gratuitous bloody-gore style of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre when he could have chosen the style of Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho.  It was hard to enjoy the beautiful ballad "Joanna" with my head down and my eyes shut to avoid the volumes of graphic multiple bloody murders and gushing mutilated flesh during that number. 
 
I'm just sharing my opinion here.  I don't want to start any on-line neohiopal battles over this.  For those of you who love violent gory films, you'll no doubt love this one. My intention in sending this out is just to share a "heads up" to those of you who may have a low tolerance for graphic blood guts and gore, those of you who considered seeing this as a Christmas Day treat, or anyone who may be entertaining the thought of introducing Sondheim to their theatrical kids who love Johnny Depp from his Pirates of the Caribbean triology.  If you wouldn't let them watch slasher movies like SAW, you may want to reconsider letting them see Sweeney Todd.  
 
Happy Holidays, Warm hugs and a double dimpled smile from
Mary Faktor (the actor ;-)
www.FaktorsTalentNetwork.com
www.AngelsNest.us
888-913-3473
 
 
 
 
    
   
   
   

       
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