ROTTEN TOMATOES: Burton & Depp Together for the 6th Time: Sweeney Todd

Burton & Depp Together for the 6th Time: Sweeney Todd

by Scott Weinberg | August 17, 2006

Summary

When Tim Burton and Johnny Depp get together, pretty wild movies tend to happen. Frankly I think all five of their previous collaborations have been darn fine films, and here's some good news: That "Sweeney Todd" adaptation they've been planning is finally locked down and ready for production... Back to Article

(1-16 of 16 posts) | Reply

Capote writes:
on Aug 17 2006 04:27 AM

I love Hollywood
Theres always great films to go with the crap.

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frogleg writes:
on Aug 17 2006 05:57 AM

Has anyone heard if the movie adaptation is to be a musical as well? If so, I wonder if Depp's going to do his own singing?

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Zen Bullet writes:
on Aug 17 2006 06:44 AM

It's a musical.

But I heard elsewhere that Depp wouldn't be confirmed for the role unless Sondheim approved his vocal ability from a voice test . . . regardless of what Tim Burton wants. But I'm surprised that the tryout and Sondheim's approval could have been resolved this quickly. Sondheim seemed reserved about the idea.

But regardless, its a promising project, and Depp would be a nice addition!

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pradeep55 writes:
on Aug 17 2006 06:58 AM

Whatever they do it always comes out great........my favourite of all Edward Scissorhands

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Prosper761 writes:
on Aug 17 2006 07:14 AM

While I think Depp is a brilliant actor and Burton is a usually brilliant director ("Planet of the Apes" not withstanding), this is the worst casting decision ever. I can't think of an actor more wrong for the role (except maybe Paul Ruebens or Clint Howard). Please Mr. Sondheim, stop this from happening...

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cgcbooks writes:
on Aug 17 2006 08:55 AM

My favorite Tim Burton and Johnny Depp film was Ed Wood. Depp should have won an Oscar for his performance.

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RenaissanceBen writes:
on Aug 17 2006 10:41 AM

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20060817/D8JHU3BG0.html

The AP article says Depp is "expected to do his own singing."

I mean, I'm sure he can sing. According to IMDB, he did one of the songs in "Cry-Baby" (though not the majority of them).

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new12play writes:
on Aug 17 2006 10:58 AM

This film was already masterfully portrayed in the timeless classic, Jersey Girl. I don't believe anyone can step into the role made famous by the incomparable Ben Affleck.

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pradeep55 writes:
on Aug 17 2006 11:28 AM

Well you know what they say........6th time is the charm, just ask Elizabeth Taylor

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Hideaway writes:
on Aug 17 2006 11:35 AM

Why is everyone questioning Johnny's singing ability? He's a good singer! Hasn't anyone seen Jonh Waters' "Cry-Baby?" He's the best singer in the whole movie! I can't wait to hear him sing again! Just wish they'd hired a better screenwriter.

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nardoguz writes:
on Aug 17 2006 01:24 PM

[b]yes.[/b]
yes. yes. yes. - (my best meg ryan impression)
this news makes me happy. now if only spieldberg would cast tony jaa in indy 4, then it would be the best day of movie news.

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mrdanny writes:
on Aug 17 2006 02:16 PM

I wonder if Danny Elfman is gonna have a part in any of the movies score? Its not a Burton movie without an Elfman score!!!

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WileyMan writes:
on Aug 17 2006 05:37 PM

I'm sure Johnny Depp can sing, but I think Sondheim's reservations have to do with his voice type. When I saw the musical on stage Sweeny Todd was this towering figure with a booming voice. While Johnny Depp can be creepy, he�s not really threatening and his voice isn�t really that booming. Tim Burton obviously wants to take the character in a different direction or use a lot of make-up and special effects. The question is can Depp/Burton convince Sondheim that their way will work. Personally I am doubtful because it�s really hard for me to imagine Johnny Depp as the Demon Barber of Fleet Street no matter how great of an actor Johnny Depp is. I would love for him to prove me wrong though.

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ShowTunes writes:
on Aug 17 2006 10:35 PM

This is going to suck BIG TIME. Depp is absolutely the wrong type for Sweeney. Among other things, he's way too fragile-looking--he's in no way the force of nature that Sweeney has to be. And I can guarantee that he won't be up to the demands of the singing. This is a part either for a booming and sturdy Broadway voice or an opera singer who can act. It is NOT a part for a guy who has recorded one or two pop songs.

And I strongly doubt that Sondheim would let Danny Elfman within 100 miles of this project. This is Sondheim's masterwork; why on earth would he agree to let anyone adulterate it, much less Elfman, who refused to let Sondheim's (Academy Award-winning) songs appear on the Dick Tracy album?

This formula is such a disaster in the making that I wouldn't be surprised if it either gets scrapped or it becomes a legendary problem film.

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foolofatook writes:
on Aug 17 2006 11:22 PM

I'm a happy boy getting his Christmas present early this year.

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Rock_The_Luau writes:
on Aug 19 2006 10:43 PM

In reply to this comment (#842501)
Took the words right out of my freakin' mouth. Or, rather, keyboard? You get the idea, it was an incredibly true statement.

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