Monday, November 26, 2007

Looking at Sweeney Todd

I'm looking at the publicity shots for Tim Burton's latest feature, Sweeney Todd, and they look so good. Tim Burton has this eye for capturing a mood, a murderous thought.

Some of you may already know the story, which was based on the musical about the murderous barber (and featuring meat pies), Sweeney Todd, who was wronged by a judge and who returns for revenge. He shaves his victims, who are never seen again, although one wonders what Mrs Lovett put into his meat pies that give them such a taste.

The movie stars Johnny Depp as Sweeney Todd, and Helena Bonham Carter as Mrs Lovett -- his amoral paramour who owns the meat pie shop. It also includes Alan Rickman and Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat!) as supporting actors.

I like this picture in particular, because the two leads both look suitably sinister, and kind of dead:

Burton knows how to use the gray palette to great effect.

10 comments:

chrisa511 said...

I can't tell you how excited I am about Sweeney Todd! I've been looking forward to this one for awhile now. Totally agree with you that Burton has an amazing eye. He always has. His movies are like pieces of art from beginning to end. My favorites as far as usage of color by him are Sleepy Hollow and Big Fish. This one looks to top those though!

Andi said...

I can't WAIT for this one!!!!

Ana S. said...

I love the picture! It does look deliciously sinister. I can't wait for this movie!

Carl V. Anderson said...

I know only the barest details of the story and positively cannot wait. If we didn't have family stuff all day on Christmas day I would rush out and see it that day just for the irony of it. This looks amazing.

LK said...

Love Johnny Depp, and I'm with you--can't wait.

darkorpheus said...

Chris -- I love his sense of texture. Most people think gray is just gray, but he makes gray so rich in his movies. And the way he uses stripes is just dazzling. But I have to admit I still like his older stuff better. Nothing has replace Nightmare Before Christmas for me. Planet of the Ape was a little stretching it though, for me.

Andi -- You should be seeing it around Christmas then. It's only coming over around February 2008 here. I weep.

Nymeth -- Yes, isn't it beautiful? They look so good together. I can absolutely see them being murderous lovers!

Carl -- Sweeney Todd -- the movie the whole family can watch! Together! I'm not sure if there will be singing though. Sweeney Todd was originally a musical. But there's nothing wrong with singing in a Tim Burton movie. :)

LK -- Hey, welcome back! You had a great time? You catching Sweeney Todd for Christmas then?

Anonymous said...

I don't know much about the movie - I am hoping there's not a lot of singing. I'm not really a fan of musicals. But whatever, it has Johnny Depp!! :)

Anonymous said...

ooh, goody goody goody!! can't wait!

i recently watched "sleepy hollow" again and loved it once again!

when it comes to burton, never has a grey pallette looked more colourful!

Carl V. Anderson said...

The preview I saw had Johnny Depp singing in it, so I assume it will have its musical elements.

DesLily said...

Johnny Depp AND Alan Rickman.. well.. it sure doesn't get better than that!! I can rarely get to a movie but this one is one I will try for!