Finally saw this. I find it hilarious when non-singers attempt Sondheim. Johnny Depp, as much as I love him, cannot sing. But neither can Helena Bonhem Carter, so it works out. At least the material is conducive to non-singers (as in, you can pretty much talk the entire score). And why does Alan Rickman always play the creepy molester guy? He is so great, I’d love to see him do more comedy.
Anyway, I knew this musical going in (I heard the score way back in junior high from my sister). Also saw her in a staged production down at Mad Cow Theatre in Florida. And I think I liked that one the best…because it just flowed better. The movie seems so disjointed at times, I find that I can pause and come back to scenes and not care…and I like movie musicals to be captivating…not pause-worthy.
But lets talk about what is good. The costumes are phenomenal. I know this was up for an Oscarsway back when, and I can totally see why. The costumes are period yet modern, and I love that. Also, the art direction is insane! And not in the Helena Bonhem Carter insane way…in a very good insane way! No wonder this won the Oscar for art direction. From every angle of dirty fleet street cobblestone to the peeling striped wallpaper in the barbershop, it was perfection.
Personally, I dont know how someone can work with that insane head called Tim Burton, but this movie was visually stunning. Yes, the actors could not sing, and the singers could not act. Depp performance was actually quite stunning, but that doesnt surprise me because he comes from the school of Edward Scissorhands and Pirates of the Caribbean, so this character, not such a stretch. Carter was forgettable, but for some reason, I feel like she was born to play this weird role. Maybe it was the makeup job they did on her, but she plays an insane person very well.
The use of the blood is unnecessary, but it does provide a lovely red color on the “grey matter” that is the art direction…another credit to the art direction…I never knew there were so many shades of gray!
And I can’t believe this musical of all musicals has produced hits like “Green Finch and Linnet Bird”, “Johanna”, and “Not While I’m Around”…watching this movie suddenly made my throat hurt…
This is definitely not a movie to introduce someone into the movie/musical genre, but if, around Halloween, you need something in the background, this will do.
