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

Sat Dec 22 18:59:22 PST 2007

Just in case anyone wants another opinion of Sweeney Todd,  We just saw it in Toledo.  Unfortunately, it is not showing in Sandusky.

Yes, there is considerably more blood shed and some of the scenes are kind of gory.  I was not comfortable with it and turned my head.  On the other hand, my wife and daughter assure me that they see similar scenes on ER and Grey's Anatomy every week.  I don't know, I don't watch those shows. 

On the other hand, I'm very happy to report that the movie is true to the original PBS version which was excellent.  The music was excellent, vocals very good, and the acting was outstanding.  

This movie is a huge improvement over the broadway redo we saw in 2006.  While an interesting interpretation, it would have been confusing for someone not already introduced to the show.

I will be collecting this movie on DVD along with the original PBS version.

Very worth seeing, just be ready to duck if needed!

Doug Klein
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: mary faktor 
  To: neohiopal at listserve.com 
  Sent: Saturday, December 22, 2007 12:53 AM
  Subject: [NEohioPAL] Unsolicited Review of Sweeney Todd film with Johnny Depp

  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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