Hit – Starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Sacha Baron Cohen, Timothy Spall
Based on the hit Broadway musical which tells the infamous story of Benjamin Barker (Sweeney Todd), who sets up a barber shop down on Fleet Street in London which is the basis for a sinister revenge partnership with his fellow tenant, Mrs. Lovett.
A remake of a classic story that will be told over and over again, this movie did exactly what it wanted to do, that was to be true to the musical while still having a dramatic effect on the audience by playing with areas of art.
In the musical, it is not likely that you would see some of the fabulous scenes that you are able to see in the film itself(the musical number with Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett on the beach is a perfect example).
The art direction was very grim looking. Using drab colors and bold (yet subtle) lightning to create a mood was very effective for the audience. The hair/make-up and wardrobe department was very complimentary to the art direction. I loved the gritty look that they were able to create with Mrs. Lovett’s messy hair as well as Sweeney’s full bodied look.
The main problem with the story overall is the idea that there is no “hero.” Having no one to root for ultimately makes the film difficult to recommend to others. I enjoyed the movie (but I had to look away because of all the gore) but I felt it lacked in the idea of it being one of the best films of the year.
Bottom Line: A well represented re-creation of the musical, but full of grotesque gore.
Horror/Musical
Rated R for graphic bloody violence.
Running Time: 1 hour 56 minutes
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