Sondheim wonders if Johnny Depp has the vocal chops for Sweeney Todd film

[Kevy Baby]

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

Hey, was that Sasha Baron Cohen I saw briefly in there??

Yep. He is playing Signor Adolfo Pirelli (at least according to IMDB)

[Morrigoon]

This looks fun, actually.

But count me in the camp that wants to decapitate the next Hollywood person to decide that sung lines should be spoken over their music. Little Lotte indeed.

[Alex]

Originally Posted by ozron

I'm withholding judgement on this. It could be the best movie musical since Chicago,

I'm reserving judgment too. But Chicago was the worst movie musical of the last 20 years (or at least the worst well-regarded one) so I think we're both reserving very different judgments.

[Morrigoon]

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA?!?!!?

I thought they did an awesome job with Chicago! I mean, yeah I missed "Me and My Baby", which was reduced to background music for a montage, BUT, I thought the director did a terrific job of giving it a theatrical feel without making it look like they just filmed the stage play.

(Though that can work too, Into The Woods being a good example, speaking of Sondheim)

[Strangler Lewis]

Originally Posted by Snowflake

I saw this in SF with Lansbury and George Hearn in 1981 (I think) in the original staging. It was awesome.

As did I. Twice, as a poor student.

[Snowflake]

Originally Posted by Strangler Lewis

As did I. Twice, as a poor student.

If I could have afforded it, I would have gone twice! but I spent many a morning putting the soundtrack on in the morning and singing along as I got ready for work.

[Chernabog]

Originally Posted by Alex

I'm reserving judgment too. But Chicago was the worst movie musical of the last 20 years (or at least the worst well-regarded one) so I think we're both reserving very different judgments.

Woah.... I *almost* agree with Alex on something :P Chicago was not *the* worst, but I definitely felt it was vastly VASTLY overrated. I like the music (from the movie), I freaking LOVE the staged musical.... but the movie was sort of meh. A pale imitation of Chicago, with none of the fun or the emotional oomph. Not particularly cast well IMHO either. I went to a sing-a-long of Chicago (the movie) once which was fun, but that was because it was a singalong!

Back to Sweeny:

I think it is wierd that the trailer tries to veer away from the fact that it is a musical. There are a LOT of songs. There is a LOT of singing. I had read that it was to get people to see the movie that wouldn't normally go if they knew it was a musical. (yeah, that's a good way to make people happy, people just love being taken for a bait-and-switch).

I think it looks good, but I still see Johnny as so pretty boy, not scary or imposing at all -- but I'll reserve judgment until I've seen the whole movie. Sascha Baron Cohen as Pirelli is just awesome.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Actually, it appears there may not be a lot of songs OR singing. I found Alex's quote in question here: http://www.chud.com/index.php?type=news&id=11953

I know from my accidental overhearing of the film that, as of this cut, "Not While I'm Around" is in. And presumably "A Little Priest," seeing as the reprise is in place. And presumably "By the Sea," presuming that the technicolor seaside scenes in the trailer are in Lovett's mind.

Yes, I agree it looks well-shot and interestingly designed (and I totally love the chair design in particular.) I guess my sadness is that I so deeply love the entire score-- from "attend the tale" to "fleet street"... and I, as yet, have no evidence that the prologue/epilogue will be included.

I always say-- I can judge the potential of a production of Sweeney by the quality of the factory whistle. I guess I will wait to hear it before I really make any judgments. I know it isn't going to be the original production-- nor is it supposed to be-- but it's hard to see your favorite thing (a favorite thing you very much want to do, yourself) in the hands of someone else.

[Morrigoon]

Worst pies in London, anyone?

[Snowflake]

Originally Posted by Chernabog

Woah.... I *almost* agree with Alex on something :P Chicago was not *the* worst, but I definitely felt it was vastly VASTLY overrated. I like the music (from the movie), I freaking LOVE the staged musical.... but the movie was sort of meh. A pale imitation of Chicago, with none of the fun or the emotional oomph. Not particularly cast well IMHO either. I went to a sing-a-long of Chicago (the movie) once which was fun, but that was because it was a singalong!

I thought the musical was okay, other friends LOVED it. Of course, I prefer the 1927 silent film version, ahem.