Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber Of
Fleet Street Deluxe - Complete
Edition by Various Artists
Bloody Good Time
Stephen Sondheims Grand-Guignol blend of opera and musical theater is
a perfect match for director Tim Burtons gothic sensibility. The result of
their encounter is a superb screen musical that, despite early fears from
the shows fans, preserves most of the score (The Ballad of Sweeney Todd
being the most egregious loss) and, perhaps even more importantly, its
spirit (regular Sondheim orchestrator Jonathan Tunick did the new
arrangements). And yes, Johnny Depp can sing. Granted, singing in a
movie is easier than it is onstage, but still, Depp is at ease with the
material, if a little thin-voiced. Helena Bonham Carter is a bit more
problematic as Mrs. Lovett (theres a reason this character has been played
by the likes of Angela Lansbury and Patti LuPone on stage) and her take
on The Worst Pies in London tries hard but lacks gleeful gusto (she fares
better on By the Sea). More convincing are Sacha Baron Cohen,
appropriately outlandish as Pirelli (The Contest), Jayne Wisener as
Johanna (Green Finch and Linnet Bird), and Alan Rickman as Judge
Turpin (a good duet with Depp on Pretty Women). Sondheim fans wont be
disappointed, and the film should also bring new converts into his world. --
Elisabeth Vincentelli
Sweeney Todd / 075597995800 (B000X4OVLM)
First of all, if you havent seen Sweeney Todd the movie, or arent familiar
with the subject matter, this soundtrack may not be for you. The subject
matter is incredibly dark, ranging over rape, mass murder, and
cannibalism, and with a light-hearted, whimsical touch that will skirt the
edge of offensive for some. For myself, I found the drama to be a deeply
bewitching tale of madness and betrayal, but mileage for this kind of
subject matter is definitely going to vary.
If you have seen the movie and were as entranced with the music as I,
then I can definitely recommend this soundtrack. The songs are almost
identical to those in the movie - only one song has been changed, and
thats the Alms! Alms! song sung by the old beggar woman, and the
change is the addition of several lines where she half-heartedly
propositions Anthony. Beyond that, there are no changes at all as far as I
can tell, except perhaps a touch of change to the pacing - I cant help but
feel that Not While Im Around is sung a touch faster than in the movie
version with all the pauses and talking, but the difference is so subtle that I
cant be certain. (For my money, this is probably the best song in the movie
and Im stunned by how wonderful the young male singer is.)
I feel I should emphasize this soundtracks almost complete identical nature
to the movie soundtrack - if youre buying this soundtrack in hope of
deleted songs or extra stanzas, then youll be disappointed, but if you just
want a CD version of the movie to listen or sing along to, then this is
exactly the CD for you. The included booklet is very lavish, detailing all the
lyrics next to lovely still-shots of the movie scenes.
I havent heard the earlier versions of Sweeney Todd, prior to the movie, so
I cant compare this performance against anything else. But I can say that
this music is lovely, stunning, and beautifully dark, and will be appreciated
by any and all fans of the movie. If that includes you, then this CD will
delight you.
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