There he is, it's Sweeney! When I saw the CD menu for the first time, I was a bit shocked and upset, so I didn’t sit down to watch. However, my mood began to improve rapidly from the first seconds when the credits appeared on the screen. Perhaps they can scare someone, perhaps - lead to a slight shock, but they are beautiful in their own way and wonderfully tune in the right way, set exactly the mood that is required. Not to mention the excellent organ introduction.
For starters, I’m ready to maybe disappoint someone, it’s not a movie, it’s shooting a musical in the theater. There are some peculiarities that follow from this, who has ever seen such things, then imagines what I am talking about.
It is primarily about ignoring small details in the concept. Therefore, the viewer will not see the pretentious and striking scenery here, since I am inclined to minimalism, this statement of the question does not upset me.
Another feature is the colorfulness of the costumes and the brightness of the makeup. This detail made me a little upset, perhaps it did not give the right entourage to the performance. However, I understand its importance, so I do not consider it a big disadvantage.
Talking about the work of the operator in this case is probably not appropriate, but I would notice that a few points would look better from different angles, but overall I am satisfied.
I think that’s pretty close to the actors.
George Hearn. His work as a dramatic actor satisfied me, I saw the necessary emotions and experiences. As for singing, this aspect, apparently, did not pay attention at all when choosing an actor, since, despite a rather good and somewhere soothing voice, listening to Todd was quite unpleasant, probably due to a slight lag behind the music and a certain tear.
Angela Lansbury. Personally, I didn’t like her Mrs. Lovett, but that doesn’t mean the famous Jessica Fletcher from She Wrote Murder didn’t play well. She and I see this character differently. She also sang not very well, too often she lacked air, as for me.
Edmund Lindeck and Calvin Remsberg looked good together, and the songs were performed tolerably. Personally, I was very annoyed by the actor playing the sailor Anthony Hope, although his parts are perhaps the best of the male in terms of performance. I can say the same about Sarah Woods. Not without personalities that I did not perceive at all, they were Betsy Jocelyn and Ken Jennings, who played the roles of Joanna and Toby, respectively.
The music is definitely worth remembering, as it is the accompaniment to the production that makes, perhaps, the best impression. The music is memorable, atmospheric, making a good impression, despite the fact that most of the songs in the film were performed in the style of recitative.
I think it is pointless to say that the musical is not something that is not made according to the classical Hollywood canons, but it is generally difficult to fit the definition of this genre, which arises in your head. Therefore, I will only say that although this “Sweeney Todd” in my view is quite far from perfect, the production is original and a special entourage of the work is preserved, which for me personally is the plus because of which you can forget a lot of minuses.
Original