Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Published: May 8, 2008

Joy James
Homeschool
Junior

Does a movie with throat slitting, blood spewing and a singing serial killer barber sound fun? Then “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” may be for you.

Far from the dreadlocks and eyeliner of Captain Jack Sparrow, Johnny Depp sported deathly white makeup and gothic clothing for his role as Sweeney Todd in the movie.

Todd is a barber turned serial killer who slits the throats of his would-be clients and turns them into meat pies with the help of the cunning Mrs. Lovett (Helena Bonham Carter).

Todd is biding his time until he can get revenge on Judge Turpin (Alan Rickman), who deported Todd, and stole his wife and child.

This is director Tim Burton’s best film.

Burton uses all his directorial skills and clever cinematography to turn Todd’s gruesome killings into things of beauty.

One of the greatest things about this film is that it is a musical.

Although Depp may not be a professional singer, his voice is enjoyable.

The lyrics contain a perfect balance of gore and humor. One song, “A Little Priest,” is about which people would be best for cooking in meat pies and how they would taste.

Burton and Depp have worked together on other successful films, including “Sleepy Hollow,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Ed Wood” and “Edward Scissorhands.”

This film is appropriately rated R and is not for the weak of heart.

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