Rental Review: Sweeney Todd

I’d seen an adaptation of Sweeney Todd on HBO when I was younger, and given the gore, it wasn’t exactly kid-friendly fare. It still isn’t. But I really enjoyed the film version of  this Broadway musical.

Johnny Depp continues to choose roles which fit him perfectly; odd and quirky characters which I cannot imagine any other actor playing with such success.  Sweeney Todd marks his 6th collaboration with director Tim Burton (Edward Scissorhands, Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride), and together they are the goth alternative to DiCaprio and Scorsese.

But my favorite among the cast in Sweeney Todd is Alan Rickman. I have been a huge fan of his since the little-seen but fantastic indie film Truly Madly Deeply (1990). Yes, the original Die Hard put him on the map, but I prefer him in Love Actually and as Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films.

As for Helena Bonham Carter, this is the first time since 1992 (Howard’s End) that I’ve actually enjoyed her in a film. Everyone probably associates her with Fight Club these days, but that wasn’t my favorite role for her. Like Depp, she is a better fit in musicals like Sweeney Todd and costumed period pieces like The Wings of a Dove.