SWEENEY TOD
Jonny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Timothy Spall
Just for once I get to see a film while it is still being talked about. I love the stuff Johny Depp does - he makes wonderful misfits fit into the world.
This is a very atmospheric film - the opening deep notes of the organ, the swirling mists and bursting thunder line you up for classic Hammer camp. The hair and make up are exaggerated theatrical, and body posture of the good / bad roles sums up their character. The 'baddies' always seem to stomp about shoulders hunched and bodies crouched. The 'goodies', by contrast hold up their heads and almost prance about. The only exception is Timothy Spall (hasn't he done so well?) and he is shot mostly with the camera angle up into his face - always preening - sneering - gloating - swaggering: gosh you feel so sorry for him.
The sets are gloriously dark and gloomy and the views over the scenery recreate a mythical London: both familiar and broodingly scary. The whole film is much more of a theatrical piece than a regular film. It has the look of a 50s silent film with the make up and lack of colour, and the time scale is vague. When there are changes or clothes or make up, the characters revert back to their original dress leaving it ambiguous.
It's mostly singing - but don't worry about not following, it's all very clearly spoken (sung?) and the music is not overpowering. There are a few grizzly bits to watch out for!!! But it is treated for it's comic value and the scene where Sweeney really 'warms up' to his work is a wonderful example of farce at its best.
This film has had very mixed reviews - and I can understand how some people might feel overwhelmed by the dark theatrical way it has been set, it is not like a 'normal' film: but I loved it. Just accept the way the events happen; don't try to to make logical sense or interpret the events; just enjoy the way it sets it's self (and others) up for the fall - and everyone lives happily ever after - except all the dead ones.
