Ok, so I am back in God's own country (Yorkshire) albeit temporarily. My life is currently contained in a variety of boxes and suitcases at the moment, and as such this post will be fairly short - I can procrastinate with the best of them, but today I actually have things I need to do!
But, before I disappear to sort all my things out, how about that review of Sweeney Todd i promised last time out?
First things first, I am a big fan of Johnny Depp, so this will be a slightly biased review. If anyone is doubting my opinion I suggest watching Donnie Brasco, the boy can act. Secondly, I am a huge fan of Tim Burton's films. Burton's films just look and feel different to most other directors, his use of colour for one is at times startling, but it's the atmosphere he manages to create that is really special - the magic of cinema at its best. So, once again, I am biased.
So, the film then. For a start it is to all intents and purposes, a musical, with around 90% of the lines being sung. But, aside from the very first scene, when Depp arrives in London via the Thames, you don't really notice the singing. Somehow it just all blends in to the scenery, it helps that the the two main characters deliver their verses in a fast paced, staccato style, with few notes being held for more than a second or two, and it also helps that somewhat to my surprise, Johnny Depp can actually sing. Sure, he is no Pavarotti, in fact with his mockney accent he is more like Bowie than anything. In fact Depp's accent is the only minor disappointment in what is otherwise an almost perfect film. If you have seen Pirates of the Caribbean it is hard not to think of Captain Jack when Depp first opens his mouth. The accent is maybe not quite as pronounced as in Pirates.....but it is very similar.
That is a minor point however, and as i said, there is little else to fault. It is dark, gruesome and at times has you turning away from the screen cringing, but that is all part of the ride. Go see it, it is brilliant.
right, enough for now, next stop the dreaming spires of Oxford. Until then.......
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