Sweeney Todd - Movie Review

The original theatrical production of Sweeney Todd opened on Broadway March 1, 1979 and the star attraction was Angela Lansbury, then the toast of NYC Theater. It was not an instant hit, closing after just 557 performances on June 29, 1980. The story goes that on the original opening night, half the audience got up and left in disgust during the intermission. Disgust? In a Broadway Show? Yes! In this case the multiple slashing of throats of victims bound for the meat grinder below the shop of Mrs. Lovett, maker and baker of Meat Pies down near the wharf of London during the darkest Victorian era. Ms. Lansbury, of course, being the Star, had the book and story revolving around her, employing her formidable talents of singing, dancing, acting, and keeping an audience enthralled ... most of the time. Despite the show's closing, Sweeney Todd swept the Tony Awards that very same year. Why? In my opinion, because genius cannot go unrewarded.

The 2007 film version of DreamWorks Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures
currently playing takes the Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim (Genius) based on the Musical by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler (Genius), and original staging by Harold Prince (Genius) and has turned the focus on actor JOHNNY DEPP in the tile role of Sweeney Todd and relegated the co-starring role to HELENA BONHAM CARTER as Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney's amorous accomplice, who steals the show. Ms. Carter is sheathed in her character to the hilt and every syllable, gesture; toss of her head, grimace and roll of her eyes is a continuing delight. I would venture to say an award nomination is coming her way very soon. Ms. Carter is utterly perfect in her role and even during scenes where she has no dialogue, manages to consume the viewers attention by simply (or not so simply) reacting in perfect harmony to the audacity surrounding her. She is intent without being relentless in her characterization of down-on-her-luck Lovett who manages to manipulate the puppet Barber who plies his trade in the space above her store.