Sweeney Todd (2007) Review – A Gory And Grandiose Gothic Musical
Sweeney Todd: Quick Verdict
The Verdict: A masterfully crafted, blood-soaked intersection of high art and visceral horror that stands as one of Tim Burton’s most cohesive and visually stunning works. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street successfully translates Stephen Sondheim’s complex stage production into a dark, cinematic fever dream. While the musical format may alienate some, those who embrace the genre-blending will find a film that is as emotionally resonant as it is repulsive. Johnny Depp provides a brooding, rock-edged intensity to the lead role, but it is Helena Bonham Carter’s pitch-perfect performance as Mrs Lovett that truly anchors the film’s macabre charm. It is a 4 star essential that remains the definitive horror musical of the modern era, perfectly capturing the grim, soot-stained atmosphere of Victorian London.
Details: Director: Tim Burton | Cast: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall, Sacha Baron Cohen | Runtime: 1h 56m | Release Date: 21 December 2007
Best for: Fans of Gothic aesthetics, Sondheim enthusiasts, and horror fans who enjoy a high body count with their baritone solos.
Worth noting: The blood used in the film was specially formulated to have a bright, almost orange-red hue to stand out against the film’s desaturated, monochrome colour palette.
Where to Watch: Amazon🛒
Rating: 4/5 Stars
(Visceral practical effects, superb musical direction, and Tim Burton’s signature Gothic style.)
Welcome to Knockout Horror. We have already featured one Tim Burton movie this October in the form of Frankenweenie. So why not check out another? Starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter and the late Alan Rickman: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is a great example of Tim Burton at his best. It’s a blood-soaked musical with songs that will stick in your head and more of the red stuff than most of the Saw movies. Let’s take a look.
Highlights
The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Following the story of a barber named Benjamin Barker. Arriving back in London after being sent away by a corrupt judge who lusted after his wife. Sweeney Todd sees Barker slice his way through the necks of London residents in his attempts to get revenge on Judge Turpin for ruining his life. Luckily he is assisted in his pursuit by Mrs Lovett who just so happens to need some fresh meat for her failing pie shop.
Now this one isn’t going to be for everyone. I am sure there are a fair few people out there that will skip the movie purely due to Depp in the lead role. But, on top of that, it is simply the fact that it is a musical that will put a bunch of people off. While very much a horror, characters constantly breaking out into song will cause pause for a lot of people. For those of us who don’t mind the blending of genres, however, Sweeney Todd is a fantastic movie.
A fascinating history
There’s an interesting history at the heart of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Tim Burton caught a showing of the Stephen Sondheim stage version of Sweeney Todd in London back in the early 80s. Burton was not a fan of musicals but was so struck by the cinematic qualities of Sweeney Todd and the blending of music with the macabre. That he watched the production on three subsequent nights and spent the better part of 20-plus years dreaming of bringing it to the big screen.
Once Burton had his big break in the middle 80s. He approached Sondheim about making a film version but nothing actually ended up coming of it. I mean, let’s be real, Burton was pretty busy with making great movies like Edward Scissorhands, Batman Returns and Ed Wood.
Fast forward to the early 2000s and director Sam Mendes was in the middle of working on a big screen version of the musical. Mendes was collaborating with writer John Logan after obtaining Sondheim’s approval and the wheels were very much in motion.
In something of a fortuitous twist of fate. Burton’s version of Ripley’s Believe It or Not had fallen through due to budget issues. And Mendes decided to head off to direct Jarhead. Leaving Tim Burton to take up the helm of Sweeney Todd and finally bring his 20-plus year dream to life. Logan and Burton reworked the screenplay to up the pace of the movie. Pushing some elements of the musical to the backdrop and bringing others forward. And the rest is history.
An all star cast
Sondheim, typically fiercely protective of his work, maintained some creative control over the casting of the movie. Despite this, Tim Burton insisted on including Johnny Depp in the role of Sweeney Todd himself. A move that concerned Sondheim due to Depp’s non-musical background and more rock-orientated vocals.
“It is Helena Bonham Carter as Mrs Lovett that really stands out. It’s impossible not to marvel at her sense of rhythm and timing in the fantastic ‘The Worst Pies in London’.”
Burton’s partner, at the time, Helena Bonham Carter was cast to play Mrs Lovett. A move which worried Carter due to thoughts of nepotism. Prompting her to send a dozen or more audition tapes to Sondheim showing that she was capable in the role. A move that paid off as Sondheim was overjoyed with her vocals.
Ali G and Borat creator Sacha Baron Cohen performed the entire score of Fiddler on the Roof for Burton in a successful attempt to win a part. Ed Sanders was brought on board to play Toby in a casting that goes against the typically older portrayal of Toby’s character.
Jayne Wisener auditioned using pictures of herself without makeup to prove that she could look younger than 19. Popular British actors Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall and Anthony Head were added to the cast to round things off. The result was one of the only movie adaptations of his work that Sondheim approves of.
Gory musical fun
Interesting history aside, the movie is just a hell of a lot of fun. If you aren’t a fan of musicals, Sweeney Todd probably won’t do much to change your mind. But if you enjoy them then this is one of the more interesting ones. Sweeney Todd‘s simple story of revenge is a classic one and extremely easy to enjoy. The fact that it is elaborated on through song after song makes for a rather unique experience.
“The musical numbers are punchy and grandiose while maintaining a sinister sense of humour and fantastic comedy timing.”
The score is legitimately enjoyable, reusing the songs from the original musical in new compositions. This was one of only three movies in which Burton didn’t collaborate with Danny Elfman. That doesn’t stop Sweeney Todd from feeling very much like a Tim Burton movie, though. The musical numbers are punchy and grandiose while maintaining a sinister sense of humour and fantastic comedy timing. Choruses are cut here and there to keep the plot moving but it all works tremendously well.
Depp is just about adequate when called upon to elicit emotional belters and his number with Alan Rickman’s character is of particular note for how memorable and enjoyable it is. But it is Helena Bonham Carter as Mrs Lovett that really stands out. With Carter absolutely nailing it on song after song. It’s impossible not to marvel at her sense of rhythm and timing in the fantastic *The Worst Pies in London*. She is fantastic throughout.
Still very much a horror
Sweeney Todd doesn’t sacrifice frights for songs, though. There are buckets of gore and a ton of violence. Burton doesn’t relent once with his presentation of the red stuff which keeps the movie firmly in horror territory.
This is a very dark movie that is full of people with twisted motivations and backward ideals. Each of which is keen to ruin life for the other. Just as Todd reminds us with the opening track *There’s No Place Like London*. Despite all the singing and bouncy musical numbers, the story is both affecting and, even, moving.
“Sweeney Todd doesn’t sacrifice frights for songs. There are buckets of gore and a ton of violence. Burton doesn’t relent once with his presentation of the red stuff.”
As far as horror musicals go, it’s hard to think of a single one that stands alongside Sweeney Todd. It’s one of those movies that feels like the only person who could have made it is Tim Burton. It is quintessential Burton from the clothes the characters wear to the Gothic presentation and the filters colouring the screen. It’s awesome stuff and simply a great option for something truly different this Halloween.
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
The Good
- Visual Design: The desaturated, soot-covered depiction of London is classic Tim Burton, providing a perfect backdrop for the vivid gore.
- Mrs Lovett: Helena Bonham Carter is a revelation, balancing comedic timing with a tragic, desperate longing that makes her the heart of the movie.
- Alan Rickman: As Judge Turpin, Rickman provides a chilling, sophisticated villain that makes Todd’s quest for revenge feel entirely justified.
The Bad
- Musical Barrier: The near-constant singing will naturally be a significant hurdle for viewers who prefer traditional dialogue-driven horror.
- Vocal Range: While effective, Johnny Depp’s vocals lack the operatic power found in stage versions, which may frustrate hardcore Sondheim purists.
The Ugly: The “Meat Pie” reveal. The practical effects used for the meat grinder sequences are stomach-churning and a reminder of the film’s dark, cannibalistic undertones.
Should You Watch Sweeney Todd?
Yes, especially if you are in the mood for something creative and different. It is a 4 star triumph of style and substance that perfectly marries the worlds of Broadway and body horror. If you can handle the singing, you are in for a sharp, bloody, and thoroughly entertaining treat. It is one of the most unique options for your October watchlist.
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A 4-star rating for a scrappy indie horror made for $10,000 is a testament to its ingenuity and raw power. A 4-star rating for a $100 million blockbuster means it delivered on its epic promises. We don't compare them side-by-side; we celebrate success in every weight class, from the back-alley brawler to the heavyweight champion. Please keep this in mind when considering star ratings.
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