Originally Posted by Karen 10th December 2006


What do you think the combination of Burton, Depp and Sondheim will bring to the screen that can't be done on stage?

What do you expect from them as a creative team?

Nurseanne8


First of all I look forward to the viewing these sets: Fleet Street, barber and pie shop, Pirelli's wagon, and Mrs. Lovett's parlor. I also look forward to viewing a very technical, detailed barber chair and oven where the pies are prepared. The inclusion of a some back story-to illustrate the conflict between Todd and the Judge, a bit on Todd's prison stent and increased character development of the begger woman. I believe that Sondheim's contribution will primarily the score and musical numbers. I expect the detail and visual wonders from Tim that I have seen in past films. As for Todd's final character we know Depp will create his and Tim's vision-probably odd and a bit out there. I really look forward to this film.

MacktheKnife


I think that they will bring an awful lot to the screen that cannot be done on stage. I would hope that the costumes and sets are accurate and reflect how people and places would have looked at the time. I dislike musicals, but there are a few that I can sit through because the music is, imo, an integral part of the show. I hope that is something that all three would work towards, that the songs and music do not spoil or break up the action.

As to the character of Mr Todd - something out of the ordinary that gives a penetrating look into what makes some one into a serial killer. That, I think, will be hard to achieve as it has to fit in with the rest of the plot and characters. I think Mr Depp could make the character incredibly frightening whilst also retaining the understanding ot the audience. Mr Burton will have ensure that the action runs smoothly and that he gets performances from the rest of the cast that would be as good as Mr Depps'. Hopefully Mr Burton will avoid having London stereotypes.

As a creative team they should be able to produce an excellent film. Although, as already said, I am not keen on musical, I am looking forward to this. Just hoping that the special effects are kept to a minimum and that the actors are allowed to strutt their stuff.

Nurseanne8


I agree with the previous post but we have to have a fantastic chair and an "oven" where we can imagiine the stench of the meat pies.

Herestoyou

WOW! What a great combination. I think we'll be in for a treat.

As has been said, I'm definitely looking forward to the sets on this one, especially that barber chair. It will be interesting to see Johnny's interpretation of Sweeney------and has been mentioned just seeing his reactions during some of the songs with Mrs. Lovett will be priceless. I also hope they put in more of a back story of how Sweeney ended up so tormented. I'm also wondering if they will show more of Johanna growing up with Judge Turpin.

Nurseanne8


I agree including some backstory scenes about Johanna and the Judge would be interesting.

MacktheKnife


The chair! It can't be too elaborate - early nineteenth century may have been the time of the Industrial Revolution but Mr Todd could hardly have asked an engineer to build the chair for him. LOL - sorry just my imagining the conversation:
"So, Mr Todd, you want a chair that swings back and under the floor, with the body of the man you have just killed on it, whilst another chair comes up. Hmmm tricky one this!" I think that the chair should be almost invisible - just an ordinary barbers chair, so that when the audience see it is used for the first time it does not register. It is the gasp factor - the did I really see that? Do you remember seeing the Christopher Reeve Superman I the first time? The flying was so good it was natural - it was only after you saw it and had time to think about it that the magic of the scene and effects hit you. That is what I mean about the chair! I do hope this makes sense.

Karen


I can't wait to see the chair and how Burton makes the vision happen. I can't help but wonder what these two will come up with.

Sondheim's music is so dark and melancholy, yet sweet and beautiful at the same time.

And the mind boggles at the thought of the pie shop.

Burton and Depp are both detail oriented people. This should be fabulous.