Johnny Depp singing. Yes, hard to believe but he does in this macabre, over-the-top, gory remounting of one of the theatre's classic shows, the story of Sweeney Todd. Directed by Tim Roth in full Rothenesque-style, I thought the film was fantastic. Granted, the tragic (very) bloody tale of Sweeney's return to Fleet Street to avenge his exile by Judge Turpin (played with relish by Alan Rickman) and rescue his daughter, Johanna, is not for everyone. The film is dark and, well, violently gruesome but the addition of Stephen Sondheim's (very difficult to sing) music, including the classic piece "A Little Priest" is perfectly done. Helena Bodham Carter plays Mrs. Lovett and is a perfect foil alongside Depp. The gore aside, Sweeny Todd delivers a wonderfully musical two hours with a truly tragic ending that speaks volumes about what we wrought when we seek to avenge wrongdoings.
My rating, noting I have a macabre streak in me, 9 out of 10.
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