Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)

A new addition to my collection courtesy of my husband. A gift for my birthday. Perfect viewing for a lazy New Years Day.

Walking away from this film makes me feel rather 'erky' (I know this isn't a word, but it's how I felt none the less). Most of this story was a surprise to me, having never seen the musical or the film before. Armed with only a basic knowledge of the plot, I ventured forth into the movie with a large expectation that I would walk out the other side obsessed.

Well, I have walked away with an urge to change my wardrobe to the classic style of London in the 1800's (Sherlock Holmes (2009) might have something to do with this too) and put a glorious white streak through my hair, but I can't say I felt obsessed to watch the film over and over again, rush to iTunes and purchase the soundtrack, and change my desktop background to a picture of Johnny Depp in all his Sweeney Todd glory. These are usually sure signs of a movie obsession for me.

Director Tim Burton is a visionary who I worship and adore, but I have to say I'm a little let down by this film. I did like it and loved many moments, but I think perhaps the story might have played out better not as a musical for a change.

I still can't quite put my finger on it honestly. The musical aspect might not have been the problem. Maybe it was the way it all tied together. I just can't decide. You may believe I don't like musicals in general. This isn't true. I actually work in musical theatre. Maybe that's the problem. I see so many, maybe the film wasn't musical enough?

Oh this is a very confusing post and I apologise. Maybe I should stew on it some more. Perhaps view it a second time and come back with a more coherent response.

Regardless of the confusion, as I said in the beginning. I mainly walked away feeling 'erky'. I love dark and Gothic dramas, but as this film was reaching its end, a literal storm rolled in. Clouds darkened, the sky went a creepy red, thunder began to roar, lightening struck and the sky opened up and the rain came pouring down. On the screen Sweeney Todd came to its eerie conclusion. It was all a little too real. Enough to give anyone a creepy, 'erky' feeling.

*shudder*