Sweeney Todd

[Jennasis]

That's b/c both Edward Scissorhands and Sweeny Todd are Tim Burton movies. Notice that Sweeny Todd and Edward Scissorhands also look similar to the animated Victor (voiced by Depp) from The Corpse Bride which is yet another Burton film. The movie took place in England ... thus the Capt. Jack accent. No surprise there, eh?

I understand that Tim Burton has a distinct LOOK to his films...but Johnny Depp has played the same character several times now. From Hell, Sleepy Hollow, Edward Scissorhands, and yes the Corpse Bride guy. Sweeney didn't feel fresh to me.

As for the gore. I actually didn't think it was that bad. Lots of blood spraying, but that had something of a comical feel to it. I don't think the play was meant to be a comedy, but I found some of it quite amusing.

FWIW my husband who hates musicals liked it (didn't LOVE it, but for him, even liking a musical is pretty good). My MIL loved the Angela Lansbury version adn was unimpressed by the movie.

 

[Crankyshank]

I saw it Christmas eve and I'm still humming Johanna and Try a little Priest.

It really wasn't very gory; mostly arterial spray. Despite my irritation with the character being a bit stale, which again I think it more Tim Burton's doing than Depp and Carter's, I definitely recommend the movie and agree that it deserves all of the accolades it is receiving.

 

[agnes!]

Went to see it yesterday. Overall...meh...

Johnny Depp was good, but I couldn't help but feel as though I'd seen this character before. He looked so much like Edward Scissorhands ! It was like ES and Capt. jack had a baby!...

Oh my....I have to say that I think this is one of the funniest things I have ever read on the DIS.

,
agnes!

 

[jobhunter]

Wow, I just don't see how people can say the character in Sleepy Hollow, Edward Scissorhands, and Sweeney are the same character. Unless you are talking about wild hair and some crazy makeup? They are NOTHING like each other.

Also, I think Pretty Women is quite hummable and it's been stuck in my head all week!

 

[Aye Sea Turtles]

Wow, I just don't see how people can say the character in Sleepy Hollow, Edward Scissorhands, and Sweeney are the same character. Unless you are talking about wild hair and some crazy makeup? They are NOTHING like each other.

Thank you.

 

[elgerber]

Wow, I just don't see how people can say the character in Sleepy Hollow, Edward Scissorhands, and Sweeney are the same character. Unless you are talking about wild hair and some crazy makeup? They are NOTHING like each other.

I totally agree, they are 3 very different characters!

 

[Crankyshank]

Sorry - I didn't realize commenting that I found the nuances of those characters to be similar was a DIS faux pas. Tomato/Tomahto - I saw similarities others did not. to each his own

 

[SusanneD]

I really enjoyed the movie as did DH who doesn't like musicals and was unfamiliar with the storyline. However, I am getting tired of Johnny Depp trotting out the same character. I wouldn't even go with the Capt Jack comparison - for me it was Sleepy Hollow/From Hell/Edward Scissorhands mesh. He's far too talented and ranged an actor to phone something like that in. I wonder how much of it was Tim Burns' vision though because Helena Bonham Carter also seemed to rehash some of her old characters as well. I don't think Alan Rickman was utilized enough. I wanted him to be a bit more... Alan Rickman evil.

I still enjoyed the movie tremendously.

Hmm. Let me think. Johnny Depp trotting out the same character.
Yes I do remember him playing a homicidal maniac in Chocolat. Or was it Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Oh I know it must have been Finding Neverland. No No wait it was The Man Who Cried.
JOHNNY DEPP HAS NEVER TROTTED OUT THE SAME CHARACTER. EVER. That is why he is called the finest actor of his generation. And phoning something in???????? Good God what kind of statement is that? Ludicrous. And try to remember underneath these characters are the same human beings. So it stands to reason you will see glimpses of them from time to time. And yes, some but not all, of Tim's movies have the gothic theme. Which makes him no less and artist or visionary. The man is brilliant. And so is Depp. Millions of people cannot be wrong because that is what is being said. This movie is as Oscar worthy of any ever filmed.
Get to know Johnny Depp and his works. ALL OF THEM. Before insults start flying. Phoning in, indeed.
But I guess enjoying the movie tremendously is something.

 

[Crankyshank]

SMMOAFG! settle down there honey. I think you're taking *my* opinion of a movie I liked way and said was deserving off its accolades too flipping serious. Holy Hell!

 

[lillielil]

I've seen it twice so far and plan to see it at least once more this weekend. I never thought I'd say it, but "Sweeney Todd" has replaced "Edward Scissorhands" as my favorite Tim Burton movie. It also made me realize how talented Helena Bonham Carter is - I think I just disliked her because of "Room With a View". I went into it never having heard any of the music, and knowing just barest basics of the plot, and was completely blown away. I was also very pleasantly surprised by how well Johnny Depp did - I was worried that his singing would be embarassing, but he really can do no wrong (well, except for "Secret Window". That was a putrid piece of [something that'll be censored here]).

I don't remember who said the music was unmemorable, but believe me, my wife and I spent a good four hours driving around Anderson, SC stopping at every WalMart, Target, BestBuy etc to try to find the soundtrack while we were at my mom's house over New Year. We finally found it on our way back home and listened to it in the car for 9 hours straight. Now I'm listening to it at work and am having a hard time not singing along. I thought it was AMAZING.

I was also amazed by how beautiful it was, spurting blood notwithstanding. Yes, it was the typical Tim Burton aesthetic, but better than ever. Now the DW is looking for patterns that can be altered to make wearable versions of most of the costumes...

 

[goofy4tink]

Sweeney Todd is not a typical musical score. It's very Brechtian, almost an opera. And like most of Stephen Sondheim's work, the songs make little sense outside the context of the play.

One review, decades ago, commented that the problem with Sondheim was that he never wrote anything "hummable" - you never left the theater humming a tune from the show. I don't necessarily agree...but Sondheim is an acquired taste.

That said, I haven't seen this film and I am not sure I will. Angela Lansbury and George Hearn delivered what I think are the definitive performances as Mrs. Lovett/Sweeney. I don't think I want to see anyone else in those roles!

Have to agree about Sondheim...I love musical theater but Sondheim is, generally speaking, an acquired taste. My dd and I saw Sweeny Todd last weekend. She is now walking around, ear buds in place, singing along with all the songs. It's really too funny.

I do think that Depp did bring something new to this role. Yes, he had the wild hair thing going on, and the same pasty complexion. But, so do other Sweeny Todds. He brought a depth I wasn't expecting. And his singing really surprised me. I figured he would merely 'sell it' when singing the myriad musical numbers. But he actually sang them, and decently to boot. I did think of ES the moment he stood there, arm outstretched, with his friend, the razor in his hand...it had such an ES look to it. Also very CB but it wasn't the same character, just the same movement.

I'd like to see it, and I LOVE musicals, but I'm worried about the gore. I have a weak stomach (shhh, don't tell DH!). How gory is it?

I was a bit nervous about my 14 y/o dd seeing all that gore as well. But, the coloring of the blood was very cartoonish. It was not a realistic color at all. In fact, I think they did that on purpose. If they had made the blood realistic, there would be people chucking up their popcorn all over the place!! The color of the blood took away a lot of the gruesomness. It didn't bother my dd at all, and she is not a lover of gore in the least bit. However, the last scene, with Mrs. Lovett...oh dearie me. That one did me in.

 

[lillielil]

I was a bit nervous about my 14 y/o dd seeing all that gore as well. But, the coloring of the blood was very cartoonish. It was not a realistic color at all. In fact, I think they did that on purpose. If they had made the blood realistic, there would be people chucking up their popcorn all over the place!! The color of the blood took away a lot of the gruesomness. It didn't bother my dd at all, and she is not a lover of gore in the least bit. However, the last scene, with Mrs. Lovett...oh dearie me. That one did me in.

I agree. I talked my mom into seeing it, and she usually refuses to see anything violent or bloody, or anything that doesn't have a happy ending. I could tell she liked it because she didn't talk the whole time... and usually she says derisive things non-stop at the movies. I could have done without her opening her purse half way through, pulling out a sack of food, and offering me a mushroom turnover, saying "Meat pie?"

The last scene got to me too - not because it was particularly gruesome, but because I have a pretty significant phobia of that particular thing (not to spoil it). I did watch it the second time, after my DW said it just looked like vamps getting dusted in Buffy. It did not.

 

[eeyoremum]

The last scene got to me too - not because it was particularly gruesome, but because I have a pretty significant phobia of that particular thing (not to spoil it). I did watch it the second time, after my DW said it just looked like vamps getting dusted in Buffy. It did not.

I don't want to spoil the movie for anyone but would like to know the last scene. My DS 13 wants to see it and so does DH. I am know the story so will not go to see it, I hate anything with blood or guts. I also think DS is too young but DH says its fine??? I should add he is knew nothing about the story until I told him about it and he wants someone to go to the movie with so am not sure his opinion 100% without bias.

So if someone could send me a personal message I could maybe judge a little better?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Sir Ron]

Johnny Depp's characters in From Hell and Sleepy Hollow are not similar at all to Edward Scissorhands and Sweeney Todd.

 

[Crankyshank]

Ok look. I like Johnny Depp. I have almost all of his movies on dvd, even some obscure ones. I was a fan before he became an untouchable person of godlike proportions on the DIS.

I don't understand the offense people seem to be taking with comments that some characters are similar. I found the nuances and mannerisms to be similar and as someone who is a big fan of the show, was expecting something different. I am not saying he did a bad job. Just the opposite. I am saying that I was hoping he would go into a completely new and inventive direction. I thought he was wonderful in the role and deserving of his nominations. I took great care to even mention that the direction he chose was most likely because it was Tim Burton's vision. This is my opinion and that is all. Others don't see the comparison- that's fine, but for crissakes don't tell me my opinion is incorrect because it's just that - my opinion.

 

[SusanneD]

SMMOAFG! settle down there honey. I think you're taking *my* opinion of a movie I liked way and said was deserving off its accolades too flipping serious. Holy Hell!

Aha I see. So it was only Johnny who sucked. Phoning in and portraying the same characters and all.
And anything in any way shape or form that has to do with Johnny Depp, I always take seriously. His persona, gifted talent, beauty, generosity, humility, kindness and honesty demands it.

 

[Crankyshank]

Aha I see. So it was only Johnny who sucked. Phoning in and portraying the same characters and all.
And anything in any way shape or form that has to do with Johnny Depp, I always take seriously. His persona, gifted talent, beauty, generosity, humility, kindness and honesty demands it.

Well if you read things you actually quoted you would see where I said " I wonder how much of it was Tim Burns' vision though because Helena Bonham Carter also seemed to rehash some of her old characters as well"

Obviously you're either an obsessed fan unable to comprehend that someone can love a movie, think a performance is praise worthy and yet be disappointed by an aspect of it, or you're a troll. Either way, not worth my time.

 

[Jennasis]

Ok...now I know the DIS is pms'ing in a huge way. I'm glad there are some people who adored the film and apparently think Johnny Depp's farts smell like roses. However I was overall underwhelmed by the film. I still love Johnny Depp's work (even 21 Jump Street!), and Tim Burton's. This just wasn't my favorite of their efforts. THAT distinction goes to Edward Scissorhands...though I DO really like Ed Wood!

SusanneD: only 3 posts and all of them a vehement (and amusing) defense of an actor? Puh-leaze...troll.

 

[Sir Ron]

Well, I can agree with your complaints about Sweeney Todd but it's just plain inaccurate to say he's playing the same character in those four movies.

 

[SusanneD]

Listen Kids A Troll Is Not What I Am. I Was Notified Of Your Insults By A Friend And A Fellow Boardmember. It Pissed Her Off And It Pissed Me Off. Both Of Us Are Members And Contribute To The Premier Website For Johnny Depp. He Loves Us And He Lets Us Know. If You Only Knew What I Knew
So Therefore You Are Not Worthy Of My Time. Or Johnny's
End Of Conversation