Reviewed by Elliot V. Kotek
(January 2008) Director: Tim Burton
Writer: John Logan (screenplay), Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler (musical), Christopher Bond (musical adaptation)
Starring: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall, Sacha Baron Cohen, Ed Sanders and Laura Michelle Kelly In-a-nutshell:
Tim Burton's madcap sensitivity for the macabre has seen him deftly deliver a classic that, like Baz Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge (and the helmer's own A Nightmare Before Christmas), will gain greater appreciation with each passing year. Time's ability to add distance from the Pirates franchise will also add depth to Depp's performance, as his recent servings of swords, sabers and scissors may overwhelm those viewers blinded momentarily by the multiple flashes of blades. The dark, dense graphic-novel-esque world created by Burton moods the picture perfectly. And, while the vengeful material of the wronged barber of Fleet Street is presented with more gore than fans of the Sondheim musical might be used to, the entertainment factor of the flick is greatly enhanced for a wider audience (despite the MPAA's R-rating - which may ensure that the DVD release will go gangbusters with underage fans). Fans of the music will not be disappointed, and the comical element of the lyrics receives a luscious treatment perfect for the big screen. In fact, there is not much in the movie on which to malaise unless one joins in the short chorus of criticism leveled at Depp and Bonham Carter's less-than-Broadway-quality belting. The acting of the two leads more than makes up for anything sung softly, however, and the supporting cast is stellar. Of particular note, Alan Rickman, as the hated hanging judge who stole Sweeney's bride, ravishes his role of gnashing teeth and sartorial swagger, while Sacha Baron Cohen's dual-accented performance as the rival barber Pirelli delivers laughs as large as the cod-piece he bears beneath his cobalt jumpsuit. Tim Burton and Ridley Scott are the best long-credit directors working today who've not yet won an Oscar - and, while Ridley may have invented and reinvented sci-fi and the sword-and-sandal epics, Tim Burton's Todd marks its maker's mastery of the modern movie musical. |
