SPOILERS!!


This thread is for the full discussion of the movie and it's plot twists!

Pirates ye be warned!

OK y'all....every has been duly warned so discuss away!

Well??? What did you all think???

Since you've asked. I'm still a bit overwhelmed and excited so excuse me being disjointed.

First, the music. The expanded orchestration and theater sound system enhance the music beautifully. The beginning organ crescendo is thrilling. I had no complaints about any of the singing. Yes, Helena's voice is thin but her characterization of Mrs. Lovett makes it work, AND HOW! Johnny was so right to find his voice through the character instead of worrying about vocal quality. He has nothing to worry about. His singing is seamless acting, just as Sondheim prefers.

Some reviewers haven't seen much humor in the film but I found plenty. Sweeney's tasting of Mrs. L.'s pie is a tiny masterpiece in physical comedy. And the choreography of "The Worst Pies in London" is brilliant, totally driven by the song as it is in "Little Priest" Johnny's Keatonesque sullen deadpan in "By the Sea" is hilarious and delightful. "The Contest" is one of the only scenes that isn't claustrophobic leaving room for Pirelli's comic grandiosity.

The reprise of "Johanna" is comic-tragic. Sweetly singing to his daughter as he dispatches one client after another is such a brilliant concept. The song speaks directly to the motive of Sweeney's actions. The theatricality illicits laughter and cringing together.

But it's Sweeney's rage and determination that drives the story. Johnny does Tim and the likes of Peter Lorre, Humphrey Bogart and Christopher Lee proud. Scenes like when he discovers the fate of his wife and daughter, "My Friends", spotting the Beadle in the market, killing Pirelli, later maneuvering Toby out of the room, "Epiphany", and the final sequence expose the intensity of his longing.

Burton's ST illuminates the brilliance of Sondheim's original work and pares it down perfectly for film.

I've got more to say but I'm allowing myself 24 hours to indulge in JDOCD and so off to see the film again. And I'm even more excited to see it again!

So Karen, what did YOU think?

Thank you Leener--you summed up many of my impressions of the film. The music just fills the theater and helps sweep you into the film--loved it! I also loved the part where Sweeney is "traveling" to Fleet street I think it is and the camera fast forwards you through the streets--almost like a thrill ride--which is what the film is for me. I felt this sense of dread as I was being pushed along so fast to something I knew wasn't going to always be pleasant. I think this is brilliant film making on Tim's part.

Yes, the characters of Sweeney and Lovett--Johnny/Helena really are the perfect match for these parts. The first time I saw it, I was so blown away by thte singing, so when I saw it again I concentrated even more on the faces of the characters. Johnny is a master---that's the only way I can put it. Helena has the ability to convey so much emotion without saying much, however, I think she has the more lines that Johnny-lol!

It seemed to me in The Contest scene, it was determined to let it be Cohen's shining moment. Johnny/Tim could have played up Sweeney more in this part, but it's like Johnny purposefully steps back and lets Cohen go---which I found a very funny bit.

What about that ending----OH MY! From the part when Anthony brings Johanna to Sweeney's shop to the end---I was on the edge of my seat---and I knew the story already!! To see Johnny just completely lose it at that point----I think I held my breath for much of this part. Then, the scene at the end with Lucy in his arms------tears filled my eyes.

Oh boy---so glad we can get down to discussing this now! woohoo

-Donna

:angel Oh my God, it is already so exciting to read your reports, even if I am not able to see this movie yet. Would be so nice to talk with your about it.

There's something about his performance that reminds me of Harrison Ford in The Fugitive. Not much dialog but eloquent nonetheless, through movement and expression.

The Helena high-point for me is when she realizes Toby is on to Sweeney and locks him in the bake house. Just brilliant and heart-breaking.

To the finale - Sweeney tells Johanna to forget his face as if anyone could forget that bloody mask.

As Sweeney sings his final words, "And he was ...", the word 'naive' is cut. It's as if Sweeney is no longer naive, has heard Toby emerging from the sewer, knows what is to come and leaves his throat open to it.

Sweeney's death was almost motionless, as Lucy's was. And the additional music as the camera pulls away is so haunting and beautiful.

Oh!

I just left the theater. I had every intention of watching the film, going out to the food court in the mall & grabbing a bite to eat, then going right back in for the next showing.

I realized in the final 20 or so minutes that THAT wasn't going to happen.

I've never seen ST before, but I've exposed myself to every clip, cap & trailer available, plus have been listening to the soundtrack heavily since it arrived the other day.

I thought I knew what to expect. I was very wrong.

I was NOT ready for the intensity of the film and the utter ferocity of Johnny's acting.

Donna - I had the same reaction to that "travelling to Fleet Street" sequence. That was an inspired piece of filmmaking on Tim's part. You're on a ride you can't stop; the characters are on a doomed, maniacal track and that bit drives it home to the viewer.

Timothy Spall gave a great performance as the Beadle. Evil and craven all at once.

Alan Rickman was excellent, as always. He does wicked so well.

Sacha Baron Cohen was fantastic. I expected to dislike his performance, and was delighted instead. His comic relief was just the right tone - not too over the top, but the subtlety of his acting - he did very well himself in the "acting-without-speaking" department. You could see the wheels turning in Pirelli's mind.

And speaking of Pirelli...didn't we have a clip or trailer or cap that showed Sweeney garrotting Pirelli? I was shocked when Sweeney began violently beating him with the tea kettle and then dispatched him while he was in the trunk. I thought we'd seen something of Pirelli in the chair and Sweeney standing behind him, doing him in.

I enjoyed Jamie Campbell Bowers' performance. He did a wonderful job of mirroring Sweeney's obsession with his growing infatuation/obsession for Johanna through his increasingly frantic expressions.

Not knowing the entire story I was certain Sweeney was going to murder Johanna when she was dressed as a boy.

And listening to the soundtrack I was dreading him killing Toby. Little did I know.

Helena is such a beautiful woman and I loved her in this. I've heard so much complaining about the lack of power in her voice, but a line in "The Worst Pies" explains the charater: "...a woman alone, with limited wind". I couldn't believe Mrs. Lovett was helping Sweeney look for Toby, knowing what his intentions were. Or that she let the poor boy eat the pies. First time I've thrown away more popcorn than I ate at a movie.

I believe that Johnny's final scenes with Helena are the best work he's ever done. Period. Hands down. I didn't see a trace of Johnny Depp during those moments. I've seen all but 3 of his movies now, and that sequence was like watching...a stranger? ...a new and unknown actor? ...I don't know. I'd venture to say if his mother sees this the phrase "his own Momma wouldn't know him" might apply.

I knew he would dispatch Mrs. L., but not how. And I was in no way prepared for the sheer brutality he showed then. It was utterly frightening. If there was a muscle in my body that wasn't tensed during that scene I'd be hard-pressed to name it. Tour de force performance. If he doesn't win the Academy Award for this the members should be...dealt with.


I adore this movie, but I need time to decompress before seeing it again. Tomorrow I'll be back at the theater. I don't go back to work until Wednesday, so who knows how many times I'll see it before then. Quite a few, I'd wager.

Funny aside - when I walked in I found a manager & asked if I could by a lobby stand-up. He said it's illegal to sell them - they just throw them out the day the movie opens. He said if I could find one of ST I could have it. I found one before the movie and realized it was pretty big. So I texted a friend asking if she & her boyfriend could bring his pickup after the show & help me.

After the show I looked at it again, having gotten over my excitement of being able to take it home if I wanted it.

The blasted thing is approximately 7 feet tall, 6 feet wide and about a foot deep!!! I was looking at the back & there are bolts & nuts holding the monsterous thing together!!! I called my friend & told her if we did manage to get the thing to my house I'd have to move out and let the stand-up live there...there'd be no room for me! So with a broken heart I walked away from it. *sigh* :P

Oh, thank goodness you guys are articulate about this movie because I'm bloody speechless! All I can say is WOW!! I'm absolutely blown away by everything ~ the music, the sets, the story (which I didn't know beforehand) and, of course, the incredibly amazingly magnificently perfectly flawless acting on the part of Johnny and Helena (and here I must emphasize Helena ~ she nailed the role of Mrs Lovett!) As soon as the movie ended I wanted to go right back outside and get in line for another ticket ~ it's that kind of a ride!

Agreed--so much emotion showing in her face. Adopting Toby like the son she never had, wanting to be a family with Sweeney----then, the realization that Toby is on to Sweeney and what she must do next---rather gut wrenching and I agree, her face said it all.

You worded this so well! You knew Sweeney was nuts after Epiphany, but those last scenes with Johanna, Lucy, and Lovett in the bake house were chilling---and that doesn't even describe it well enough!

-Donna

Too bad you couldn't fit the ST stand up in your place-lol---might a little too much to deal with on a daily basis, too!

And I'm sitting here listening to the soundtrack yet again & was reminded of another piece of brilliance on Johnny's part:

During "God, That's Good" when there are patrons eating in the garden outside Mrs. L's pie shop and Sweeney is upstairs...pacing in his tonsorial establishment and then pacing on the exterior walkway - looking down on the diners. I heard my mind say "caged beast" and thought of a black leopard pacing in an enclosure. Thwarted in it's quest to find prey. Knowing Sweeney wants to rush down the stairs and start slashing indiscriminately.

That gave me a cold chill.

Inspired acting.

This movie is a gift.

Edited to say: Donna - I even thought about affixing it to the wall in the garage. But you're right and I hadn't even thought of that - it would be a bit too much after a while. It's the one with just his head shot and him holding the razor horizontally in front of him. *shudder*

I'm curious about the audience reactions. Figuring that most people attending at midnight or today have probably been waiting to see the film, I would imagine a pretty positive response?

What did everyone think about By the Sea? How did the audience react? I just laughed so much during this part---the contrast not only between Lovett and Sweeney's expressions, but the all the bright colors. The only hint of any "desire" on Sweeney's part when he puts his hand on her knee---I was almost rolling on the floor. I'm so glad this was in the film since after that it gets even more dark than it was at the beginning. Just loved it!

Also, a funny part when Sweeney first comes into Lovett's pie shop and the part where she's singing away and he's trying to get a word in----funny as well....

-Donna

That was so funny! And for some reason it was an 'Edward Moment' for me, one of several looks and/or gestures that reminded me of Edward Scissorhands.

I saw an advanced screening of it on Wednesday and the audience I was with loved it, and I didn't hear anyone complaining during or afterwards, though I think a few people behind me gasped when Sweeney started to kill Pirelli and there was all of that blood. I even remember hearing some people singing after the film had finished when we were in line for the bathroom.

I think "By the Sea" got the biggest laughs. When Sweeney came into the shot in that black and white bathing suit, the place erupted into laughter, and it kept up. I loved that scene.

Well, everyone's pretty much said everything I could possibly think of saying. The movie was awesome. It was a masterpiece. And Johnny was BRILLIANT!

I was at a pre-screening last night, so it wasn't as "buzzing" as a midnight showing would have been, but still a good audience. There wasn't an empty seat there. Lots of laughs, lots of gasps, and good applause when the credits rolled.

I got stuck in the very front row, so I'm pretty eager to go see this again so I can watch it without dealing with a cricked neck. I'll be taking my sis to see it, since she had to work last night, so I will definitely be seeing this again!

Again, WONDERFUL movie. Definitely A+

Joy

I get so engrossed in the movie I'm watching I don't tend to pay any attention to what the rest of the audience is doing. But I when Sweeney's ship first came on screen the woman sitting behind me said in a low voice, "The Black Pearl". That gave me a chuckle because in my head I was thinking, "My gosh! There's the Dauntless". :P

I just got back a little while ago and I'm speechless! Well almost.
Johnny's performance was absolutely incredible!! The emotions, the rage, the desperation, the evil, and of course the singing, masterfully done. And I'm not saying that because I adore Johnny. It is what it is!
I had read mixed reviews of Helen's voice and was pleasantly suprised that I totally enjoyed it as well as her portrayal. I saw Patti Lupone as Mrs. L in Manhattan and Helena brought more of a very sexy aspect to the character while still being totally off her rocker! LOL
I could go on and on, the cast, the sets, the music, but it's hard to try to not repeat what has already been said! Being a fan of the classic Universal horror movies, I can definitely see how Tim and Johnny wanted to capture that look and they did! I will say that the audience, about 3/4 full, many young adults, were doing alot of 'ooohing'. (The yucky kind of noise) Not sure how to spell that.
Lots of talk when the movie was over. Didn't hear anyone say anything negative and I was listening!
Oh and one more thing before I need to stop typing, My heart was broken for Sweeney. It's just the way he made me feel.
I do admit though, I did have to peep through my fingers a bit and gasped at the body drop but I'm sure after quite a few more viewings, I'll get over it!

I saw it during work hours but was still blown away that there were only about 25-30 people in the theater.

There were quite a few men behind me who laughed during "Worst Pies" and during "Little Priest" ("good...you got it" and also "What is THAT?" "It's fop") and "By The Sea". The biggest laughs from them came when the "By The Sea" scene cut to Sweeney & Mrs. L. on the beach, with Sweeney in his striped bathing suit.

I had expected to hear nervous laughter during Sweeney's "Johanna", but didn't. I never heard another woman laugh once, although I did, almost against my will, a couple of times. Johnny is priceless during "Worst Pies" and "By The Sea". I couldn't help myself. And the line in "Little Priest" about "it has to be grocer...it's green". That got me even though I've heard it on the soundtrack. Apparantly the audience I was with was too young to be familiar with the term "green-grocer".

And when the movie was over and credits were rolling there was a loud silence in the theater...do you know what I mean? No sound. And that absence of sound was full of shock and impact. Does that make a bit of sense? I was right there...just...

I think of an old joke my mom told me about a farmer selling a donkey & clobbering it right between the eyes with a 2x4 board & telling the potential buyer that you have to get his attention. I felt like I'd been clobbered by that board.

Parlez - I'm glad you had an Edward moment. I myself had 2, although not during "Worst Pies". I think they were both during "By The Sea". I'll have to watch it again to be sure, but I remember thinking "Edward!!!".

And I just have to take a minute to say: I am now a rabid Stephen Sondheim fan. What a literate, intelligent, funny and heatbreaking work! I've been listening to the phrasing, the actual lyrics, the melody - this is a stunningly difficult musical piece. I just had no idea. Now I know I'll be buying every Sondheim musical I can find on DVD, because I am in awe of his musical genius. What a delightful surprise to find a treasure like this later in life. I would never have been able to fully appreciate it if I'd been exposed to it in high-school drama or chorus.

woohoo Still excited!

Sweeney was everything I expected and more. My heart is broken for Sweeney, Lucy and Johanna.

The movie pulls you emotionally in so many directions. Sighing over Barker and his wife, so in love. Anger at the Judge for being such a rotten bastard. Sadness of Lucy holding the baby alone, not knowing which way to turn. Snickering at Sweeney's disgust at the worst pies in London. Wanting to jump up and cheer when Sweeney finally gets the judge. Totally crushed along with Sweeney when he realizes his sweet Lucy is gone at his own hand. Cheering a bit when he gets rid of Mrs, Lovett for her lying.

Sorry if I'm just rattling on but I'm still processing everything I saw...and I can't wait to go again!

I just got back a while ago from a double header of ST. I knew I'd have to see it twice, one after the other, because the first time was overwhelming....the music, the acting, the violence, Johnny, Helena, Alan.

I found myself laughing, crying, getting queasy and getting goosebumps. My emotions were a rollercoaster from beginning to end. The audience in the later showing were the same way. Lots of laughing during THE CONTEST and BY THE SEA.

It goes without saying that Johnny was dead on (sorry for the pun). HBC was a perfect Mrs. Lovett and I absolutely HATED Judge Turpin. Alan Rickman did a great job playing him.

I noticed Willy Wonka in there a few times. The one time was when ST was trying to swallow one of Mrs. Lovetts pies. It reminded me of the scene when WW was in the jungle trying to eat the worms that the Oompa Loompa gave him. Johnny made a funny sound in his throat both times, and my niece and I looked at each other and said "Willy Wonka" at the same time.

Did anyone notice that Mr. Fogg was one of Willy's arch rival candy makers in C&TCF? And, the picture of Mr. Lovett looked just like the butcher behind Augustus Gloop when he was interviewed after he found his golden ticket.

I can't find anything that I didn't care for or lost my attention for even a second. I agree with everyone who said Johnny deserves the Oscar. Every emotion was clearly shown on his face.

I have two showings under my belt, and hope for many more in the next month or so.

I wish we could all see it together.

EDIT: I just remembered something else: Buck Holland was credited as a victim of Sweeney's and Johnny's assistant.

Just got home from the movie. The theatre was pretty full. Just a few empty seats. Had a meet-up wih Debbie and her gang. I thought that the movie was awesome. The singing was fantastic from all cast members. I was taken back by the ending. I didn't think that Sweeney would meet his end especially at the hands of Toby. It was very touching ending in it's own way. I thought that this movie was one that you really shouldn't take your eyes off of because you might miss something. Tim Burton has outdone himself this time and so has Johnny. This will become a true classic. When we came out there was a large group of people waiting to get in for the next showing. I hope to be able to see it again after Christmas.

Nicci :angel

Having just returned from witnessing the marvel that is Sweeney Todd, I can't help but contemplate the outrageous fortune I feel that I exist during the age of Johnny Depp. Is there another actor on this planet who can inhabit a character, body and soul, heart and mind, the way Johnny can?
I think not.

Staggered,
Rose

I missed that Ellen.

But I did notice that Bruce Witkin was in the credits for music (production?).

Rose. that was beautiful and completely true. I only wish I had found him sooner.
The movie was great! I enjoyed it more the second time. Just like DMC and AWE, the second time I could sit back and really absorb it and pick up a lot of the words I had missed the first time. I can't imagine anyone but Johnny and Helena playing these roles. They were perfect for their roles and each other. I am already looking forward to the DVD and the behind the scenes/making of segments. I'll bet they had a really great time filming this. I think Johnny called it a laugh riot. Can't wait to see it again after Christmas, and I'll pay special attention to Sweeney's clients and look for Buck. I knew Mr. Fogg looked familiar too, he was one of the spies in C&TCF.
Thanks Nicci for coming out of your way to meet up with us. It was great meeting you and your friend. Made it even more fun. :D

Debbie

Random observations, opinions:

Unlike Tim and Johnny, I am not a horror movie fan, yet I welcomed the blood and felt there was not a drop too much. I'd definitely say it was a relief to me when Sweeney cut the first throat---the tension he was exhibiting was becoming unbearable for me.

Everything about Helena Bonham Carter's performance completely blew me away, from beginning to end.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed SBCohen's turn as Pirelli. Scene-stealer, maybe; show stealer--not a chance. This show belongs to Johnny and Helena.

Everything looks ten times better within the movie than it did in the clips and previews.

Some have spoken of "Edward moments." I had two. The first was during the contest, when Sweeney expertly and swiftly shaves his man. The second has escaped me for the moment, but I specifically remember having it, LOL.

I was afraid everyone in the theater was going to either recognize Lucy or become suspicious of why her face was hidden so much. (Judging from their reactions later, I think the beggarwoman's true identity went undetected by those who weren't familiar with the show.)

Thanks to everyone who's reporting. It's so interesting to hear how different viewers respond to a film.

Rose

I saw Sweeney Todd at the earliest showing on Friday morning, and it was just incredible. I loved how faithful the movie was to the Broadway show. I definitely think it’s Tim Burton’s best film…I have to agree with Johnny when he said Tim has really outdone himself with this one.

The cast for this film was perfect in every way. I think that Helena Bonham Carter gives the best performance of her career as Mrs. Lovett. Alan Rickman is always so good at portraying villains, and he was great as the creepy Judge Turpin (Timothy Spall was also very sleazy as Beadle Bamford!) And Sacha was so funny as Pirelli…I loved how during "The Contest," he sings the whole song in a deep baritone voice, and then at the very end he sings that extremely high note! lol I thought Laura Michelle Kelly, Jamie Campbell Bower, Jayne Wisener, & Ed Sanders were all wonderful too, especially for ST being the first movie they have ever acted in!

And as for Johnny, his acting was exceptional, as it always is. I would rank this as his best performance ever. The intensity he brought to his portrayal of Sweeney Todd was amazing, and I was very moved by all of the emotion he put into his singing. And speaking of his singing, it is fantastic. I was extremely impressed with all of his songs in the film. I can already tell I'm going to be listening to the soundtrack nonstop!

Regarding the look of the film: If I could vote for the Academy Awards, I would give every Oscar possible to Sweeney Todd in all of the technical categories. Everything was flawless: the sets and costumes were so incredibly detailed, and the cinematography was stunning. And of course, the makeup and sound were excellent too.

All of the musical numbers were great. I can’t even try to pick a favorite because I have so many. I loved Mrs. Lovett’s first song “The Worst Pies in London.” Helena was very funny in this scene (and how great was Johnny’s reaction to the pies? lol) And I loved “My Friends,” “Epiphany” and “Johanna” because I actually had goosebumps listening to them, from how beautiful Johnny’s singing was! “Pretty Women” was nice too…hearing Johnny and Alan Rickman sing a duet together was very enjoyable. They both have such sexy singing voices! “By the Sea” was hilarious. I couldn’t stop laughing at Johnny’s facial expressions…they were priceless! lol Okay, I realize I just named practically every song in the film, but I can’t help it…I love them all!

The opening credits did a nice job of setting the tone for the rest of the film (I loved the fact that they included the music for “The Ballad of Sweeney Todd” here!) And I felt the ending for this film was much better than the ending for the original Broadway version of Sweeney Todd. That last scene was so powerful and moving…I was sitting there in tears as the end credits started to roll.

What really pleased me is that the audience in the theater seemed to love the movie too. It was much more crowded than I expected it to be on a Friday. Throughout the whole movie, everyone was responding well to all of the jokes. “The Worst Pies in London,” “A Little Priest”, “By the Sea” all of Sacha’s scenes, and Toby and his “gin” got the biggest laughs from the crowd. And I was a little surprised at what received the most laughs in the film…It was when Sweeney’s customers were being killed during “Johanna”. I don’t know if people were laughing because they were uncomfortable or if they were just laughing at the sheer absurdity of it!

I definitely can’t wait to see Sweeney Todd again. I was so overwhelmed seeing it the first time that I definitely have to see it several times (which I was planning on doing anyway!) to really have everything sink in.

Bravo to Tim, Johnny, Helena, and the entire cast & crew of Sweeney Todd for making such a great film that truly exceeded all of my expectations.

I saw Atonement last week and it's a very fine film, but there's a scene where Kiera's character is standing on the beach, staring out to sea and I turned to my friend and said "Keep a sharp eye on the horizon!" LOL She's still looking for the green flash!

Ellen, now go back and read what actor Keith Buterbaugh had to say about Sondheim's work

http://johnnydeppreads.com/index.php?showtopic=3466

That's an excellent point, Rose, about seeing the throat slashing and blood as a sort of relief/release after watching the tension build within Sweeney. I loved the way he just stood next to his chair, so erect and expressionless, whilst disposing of the bodies - yikes! I think Tim mentioned in one of the interviews that he considered the blood to be like another character in the movie...I get that now. The whole theme of blood pumping and hearts breaking and who's bleeding and who's alive and who's already dead ~ combined with the fact that the blood is the one vital color against the bleak, monotonous background ~ gives the film a richness it wouldn't have had if the bloodletting had been held back, IMO. The blood represents more than just a horror/fright bit.

Went and saw Sweeney Todd last night.. what can I say except.. excellent.. brilliant!!!! Thoroughly enjoyed the movie!!! I havent read through anyones else's thoughts first.. just wanted to keep to my own. When it started with that .. you know.. that organ music.. the audience and myself included just loved it!

The singing.. well omg .. the voice that Johnny has.. the emotion that he sang with.. weak and tender at just the right moments.. and then strong and powerful.. and the emotion through his facial expressions at the same time.. amazing!! Alot of that was so similiar to what one would see in silent movies which was commented I think by Tim in some interview somewhere... nd also as one performing this on the stage would have to be. When Sweeney first entered Mrs Lovetts shop .. and eating that meat pie.. the looks of disgust and such on his face.. lol

All of the singing .. from Sweeney to Mrs Lovett to Anthony to young Toby was very very good... and Alan Rickman.. you really wanted to hate him didnt you. That scene where he pulls Anthony into his house and that one room.. good gawd.. you learned that judge was a really disgusting deviant man.. and I liked.. what was it that Anthony said.. he believes there's been some mistake.. yeah.. I would have thought so too.

My favorite song since getting the cd is Joanna.. the trio version.. I just love this song.. the emotion and the feelings of Sweeney.. his feelings as a father towards his daughter... but here Sweeney is dicing and slicing with such ease as he is singing this very moving song that it just cracked me up.

At first I thought the ending should have shown Anthony & Joanna together at last.. but after thinking more about it.. it ended perfectly.. a tragedy... a senseless tragedy that was started years before.

I was expecting more blood than there was.. what was shown was fine.. and the way it was portrayed worked too.. but for whatever reason I thought there would be more. And the blood didnt really bother me.. what got to me the most was when the bodies went flying down the chute and then hitting the ground on their head.. oh .. that was just ewww!

Went to a 7:30'ish showing.. the place was filled up. I was trying to gauge the medium age of the group.. I would say between the years 20-40's .. opps.. I'm not in that group.. :shistle .. ok we'll make that 20-50 then.. lol

My 24yr old son came.. since his girlfriend is out of town.. on a scale of 10 being the best.. he gave the music a 9 and the movie an 8.. he said it was really good. My sis-in-law isnt into bloody movies so I was surprised she said she would go with me to see this one. She is not a Johnny fan like us.. but loves musicals. She said it was pretty much what she expected.. she said it was good.. the music excellent .. the storyline good.. but could do without the blood. But she was very glad she saw it.. and has seen a few of his latest but asked me if Johnny does any normal people roles.. lol

Good audience too.. laughing at the funny parts.. even the squemish parts.. when Sweeney would get that look or say something that you knew what he was really meaning.. there would be chuckling or some oh oh's.

Thats all for now... I cant wait to get back to see it again!!!

~ Mary Kay

I agree with everything you have said. It is such a tragic movie, and the tragedy went through the whole movie. It wouldn't have been right to have some kind of happy ending. I didn't have any problem with the blood. It was the falling through the trap door and landing on their heads that made me cringe. *L*
Joanie

I was the same way Joanie. It wasn't the throat slashing that got me but the fall onto the floor for the victims. I said that if the slashing didn't get you the drop would. So I shut my eyes everytime someone went through the door. Well except for the Judge. I watched him drop. :P BTW, I don't think that I would want to dance with Sweeney. I think that part took me back when he danced Mrs. Lovett into the oven. :blink:

Nicci :angel

Ha! Good point, Nicci, about not wanting to dance with Mr. Todd! I hadn't thought about it until you mentioned it, but it is the first time Sweeney really takes the lead, as it were, and remains completely focused on Mrs. Lovett. Which begs the question: how far would you be willing to go to get Sweeney's undivided attention? :unsure:

So glad so many were able to experience this film. I went again last night to a 10:25pm show and it was almost filled. The show before was very full as we were waiting outside to go in and the people just kept coming out-lol! I knew it would happen, but I was shocked when I saw a couple go into the film with 2 kids about 9 or 10 years old--sheesh! First of all, to have them out to see a movie at that hour, and especially this one---what were they thinking!!

This audience was a real mix of age ranges---young girls, teens, couples in their 20s-60s I would say. Same reaction as many of you mentioned.

I've seen it a couple of times now, but just this last time one part really stood out to me that I hadn't noticed before. It's after the By the Sea song and ST is loooking out the window. Lovett asks him if he remembers what his wife looked like and he can only tell her she had yellow hair. She then tries to tell him they need to forget the past and they could have a life together. He turns and looks at her like he's starting to bend and give in-----until Anthony bursts in and tells him that Turpin took Johanna to the asylum. OMG--the sad look on Lovett's face and then change in expression on Johnny's---Oscar moment there. Anyway, I'm surprised this is the first time I picked up on that.

As for that ending----it's almost like a painting isn't it? A tragic painting----love reading everyone's thoughts.......

-Donna

Donna, I picked up on that part too, where Sweeney looks like he's ready to give in to Mrs. Lovett.

I really laughed when, during "By the Sea" he puts his hand on her knee, and then decides, nah, it ain't gonna work! LOL Johnny's expression through that whole part had me ROTFL.

I felt no pity for Judge Turpin or Beadle Bamford. Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett, well, my heart broke for both of them.

I agree that the ending was perfect. ST holding Lucy in his arms while Toby slashes his throat. And the look of acknowledgement on Sweeney's face when he realizes what Toby's about to do. Was it relief? Seems to me it was.

I forgot to add that my niece, Ali, didn't know the story of ST. She kept asking about "the crazy lady". What is she doing and why is she singing? I told her to wait and see. Ali is pretty astute, so when she was shocked to find out it was Lucy, I knew she was hooked on this movie. We saw it twice last night and are going again Monday afternoon. Dh is going. I've been playing the soundtrack and he's been asking questions. I was surprised he wanted to go, and glad that he is.

My DH didn't know the story either when I first took him to ST. I just told him it's a very dark story about a man wanitng revenge and he slits a lot of throats! Anyway, he did not figure out that Lucy was the beggar woman either, so he was very shocked........

Just a note---verrrry early box office estimates show ST might come in 4th overall for the weekend behind NT, IALegend, Alvin.......let's keep our :crossfingers

-Donna

It seems to me it was relief too.. especially after the realization that it was Lucy. It was like he realized what Toby was going to do.. eventhough he actually didnt see him.. he knew there was no way out from what he'd been doing or ever have any sort of relationship with Joanna.. he just lifted his chin up slighty and tilted his head back for him to get a good slice.. and yes.. to end it all. He knew his daughter would have Anthony so that probably gave him some solace.

I agree--Sweeney was I think almost "happy" to meet his end after seeing what he had done. Sadly, tragically, he could now be with his Lucy in death even though not in life.

I also feel that even though Johanna/Anthony are the most "normal", my daughter pointed out that Anthony allowed the asylum inmates to basicall kill the head of the asylum--even though we would think it justified. Also, Johanna really doesn't look all that happy when Anthony brings her to ST's shop at the end. Her line about "ghosts haunting her" was so sad. I think this young couple will have problems-----

What about Toby? Will he go on to kill others? Or was it his act of revenge for the death of MLovett? I just love the way the film ended---finality in one sense, open questions in another sense.......

-Donna

Just back from my second screening and I do have much more to add to previous posts. I really enjoyed the last 10-15 minutes and I thought the way Sweeney dispatched of Mrs. L. displayed the brilliance of Depp's performance from seducing her with her own words, then the fingers encouraging her to join him in a waltz and then Sweeney's emotional release and acceptance of the reality of the futileness of his revenge as Todd watched Mrs. L roast in the flames through the small window of the pie stove and then cradling his beloved Lucy as he died form the fatal wound inflicted by his silver "friend". The multiplex at the early am screening appeared to sell more tickets to The National Treasure film but the 25 or so in ST did not leave for any reason during the film and few words were heard as people exited the film. I look forward to returning soon. :) Anne r

I went last night, and have a whole bunch of thoughts but have no time to comment on much. But the scene where Mrs. Lovett explains to Sweeney how to rid of the bodies is very well done! Johnny's camera angles were sexy before he went mad, then after, oh the FURY! Wow! I thank Tim for keeping the light/dark humor in the film, and the singing....nothing even close to what I have ever watched on film before. Bravo! :claphands

Oh, my, when Sweeney, with the tiniest motion of lifting his chin, offered his throat to Toby, I was paralyzed. I think the entire audience was paralyzed---not a sound or a movement in the room. I knew Sweeney had to die--there's no other choice really----but that didn't make it any less excruciating to watch. As his blood flowed onto Lucy's face like red tears, I was surprised to see so much of it, considering how pale and drained of life he was from the moment of Mrs. Lovett's announcement about Lucy and Johanna. The thirst for vengeance was what kept him alive, and made him "full of joy" (my very favorite scene in the movie, by the way, in Epiphany). I think the blood of each victim served as a figurative transfusion for him, keeping him functioning long enough to fulfill his ultimate purpose. But in the final scene, I got the feeling that his last action, while taking no courage at all (he knew how absolutely he deserved his fate) but because he was so broken, it did take a superhuman effort to lift his chin and expose his throat the way he did. And I wanted to protect it.
Superb.

Rose