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"There are two Sweeney Todd experiences available as the film continues screening. There is the experience of those who know – and for the most part, love – Sondheim’s masterpiece. And there will be the experience for people who barely know Sondheim exists and only really know what they see in TV spots and trailers from the film."

Dunno 'bout this, Dave - I'd fall into a third (likely smaller) camp of people who are more familiar with movie musicals in general (and, consequently, the movie versions of stage shows) but know Sondheim, are vaguely familiar with the show, but are more interested in seeing a great movie musical made out of the material. Sounds like Burton delivered on this.

I've never seen the show live (I've seen a tape of the Lansbury version), but know enough to know that a) it's great, b) it's gory c) Bonham Carter is miscast - at least in terms of her singing - and was rolled in based purely on her relationship with Burton. Reviews seem to validate this last point, and it makes me wonder how truly great this could have been if Toni Collette had gotten the nod (as was originally rumored).

Regardless, nice review, can't wait to see it.

Isn't that like saying Judy Garland was cast in THE CLOCK and THE PIRATE solely because of her relationship with Minnelli? As long as Carter does a good job, who cares how she got the part?

As long as Carter does a good job, who cares how she got the part?

Point is, it isn't as good a job as it could have been. Her acting's fine, but the singing voice...not quite so much.

Her singing voice is not that bad. It has a certain kind of charm, but it's a acquired taste like most indie female voices in the 21st century.

It's frustrating knowing there are actresses who have the acting and singing chops to pull of musical yet directors/casting people continue to ignore. Toni Collette comes to mind. Imagine what Meryl Streep could have done with Mrs Lovett?

I think Cyndi Lauper would've been great in the part. I can imagine her turning her harsh NY accent into a harsh UK one rather effectively.

Burton's one of a long list of directors who collaborate repeatedly with the same talent. Carter's performance certainly doesn't seem to bother Sondheim, who's screening it for friends nearly as much as the studio is showing it to the press.

Also, a question David. Since one of the screenings was given to the broadway community, and many theater critics attended, can we expect reviews from both the movie and theater critics from the big dailies?

I would think that a bunch of reviews from legit critics could be a useful marketing tool.

You're review was great by the way. As a teenager I must have seen the original production 20 times. I still don't know how I convinced my parents that It was essential that I basically live at the Uris Theater for a year.

"Lingering can be a very powerful thing."

Too bad BFCA ballots are due back on the same day I finally see this film. Which is why NO COUNTRY will likely finish ahead of SWEENEY on my list, because I've had weeks (and not minutes) to marinate on its brilliance.

tmj-- i think enough members have seen the film that it will make the first ballot.... then, hopefully, the rest will have time to catch up... i don't know you or your tastes but i'd still be willing to bet that the minutes you'll have to marinate will be enough to convince you to put it on the list.....

Meryl passed on Lovett.

And it would be interesting to read theater critics on this Sweeney... no idea if anyone will do it.

I do think, TMJ, that the industry release date was too late... and I think they will pay for that with almost everyone but The Academy. But in BFCA, it is pretty sure to be Top 10, so there will be another round. That said, I don't know that it is likely to win BFCA... just to be nominated.

dp--- i'm guessin' it's going to be 'sweeney todd' or 'no country...' for bfca 'best pic'..... you?

It's not a full review or anything, but Terry Treachout talks about what he thought of the film here, Dave: http://www.artsjournal.com/aboutlastnight/2007/12/tt_attend_the_tale.html

Or maybe the BFCA could go for Ratatouille are really test that relevance thing Dave obsesses about.

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