Tim Burton is one of our most visually impressive directors. Most frames in his movies could easily be hung in art galleries. (There is one especially I love in this film. It's of Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp by the beach in full goth attire. I hope it someday becomes a poster called 'By the Beach' that I can buy and hang in my room ) Unfortunately his stories always leave something to be desired. That's why it was a stroke of genius for him to adapt already proven material. The tale of Sweeney Todd was adapted from the stage musical of Stephen Sondheim, a great American composer. The way Burton directs this story makes it seem as if it was written especially for him.
This is a perfect movie. And by that I mean I can't think of a single way it could be better. I think it is Burton's best film yet, and probably the one that will finally get him recognized when Oscar time comes around. Everything about this film speaks to Burton at the top of his game. The story is very dark revenge tale and it takes place in 19th century London, the grungiest place in history. His two leads are Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, the most beautiful undead couple out there. Carter especially is inspired casting and just her looks require her to be in every Tim Burton film. There are not two actors out there that wear pale better than these two. Mixed into this is the supporting work of Sacha Baron Cohen as an hilarious Italian barber and Alan Rickman as a rotten and corrupt judge. Both are perfectly cast.
Everything about this movie is inspired. From the direction to the set decorations to the costumes (Colleen Atwood) to the performances to the music and lyrics. I expect Oscar nominations for all of these and also one for Best Picture. This is one of the best and original movies of the year. In a year of great movies this one stands apart. There has been nothing like it since the last Tim Burton film.
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