Tim Burton & Johnny Depp Team For 'Sweeney Todd'

[Bat Brain]

I didn't see a thread so:

January 7, 2006
Exclusive: Tim Burton & Johnny Depp Team For 'Sweeney Todd'
By Andrew Hartman, MovieMusicals.net
Status: Rumor From Valid Sources

According to anonymous sources, director Tim Burton and actor Johnny Depp, who together have worked on five major motion pictures including 'Edward Scissorhands' and more recently 'Charlie & the Chocolate Factory,' will team once more for the upcoming movie musical adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's 'Sweeney Todd.'

Depp will portray title character Sweeney Todd - the demon barber or Fleet Street - who slits the throats of his innocent (and not-so-innocent) customers.

As of last year, Sam Mendes ('Road to Perdition,' 'Jarhead') was rumored to be the frontrunner to direct, however he left the project shortly after 'Jarhead' opened in theatres.

It is unknown if Burton will opt to use the existing John Logan screenplay adaptation, or start from scratch. Therefore, a release date cannot be predicted at this time.

'Sweeney Todd' first opened on Broadway in 1979 which starred Len Cariou, Angela Lansbury, Victor Garber, and Ken Jennings. The show is currently on Broadway in its second revival, starring Patti LuPone and Michael Cerveris. The show features a score by legendary composer Stephen Sondheim who in his career has earned eight Tony awards, including Best Score for 'Sweeney Todd.'

An official announcement is expected in the coming weeks.

Source - Movie Musicals.net (http://moviemusicals.net/news.html#010706)
------------------------------------------------------

:eek: Surely I'm not the only one excited by the prospect of this movie. It seems like the perfect material for Burton's style.

[Poeman]

i saw that play on broadway

it sucked

[Carmine Falcone]

Never heard of the story but sounds like good Burton material.

[da creole kid]

There was a decent "Sweeney Todd" Cable movie starring Ben Kingsley circa '97.

I'd say have him star in it and have Nolan direct it.

Or Americanize it. Have Chris Cooper as Sweeney Todd and have the Cohen Brothers direct it.

Burton/Depp idea is just uninspired.

[FooYu]

They must have made at least 5 films together.

[da creole kid]

Which isn't that bad, but always seem to be the exact same film!

[jaydawg]

God, why don't they just admit it and get married.

[Landis-Wolf]

There was an english made-for-TV special that aired a few days ago, starring Ray Winstone as sweeney todd. I heard it was good, anyone catch it?

[MaskedManJRK]

Burton and Deep in a movie about a demon barber that kills people?

...

I'm so f**king there.

[FooYu]

There was an english made-for-TV special that aired a few days ago, starring Ray Winstone as sweeney todd. I heard it was good, anyone catch it?
I saw it being advertised on bbc 1 but i didn't see it.

[Kmack]

Interesting, I love Depp/Burton films. This sounds like it could be awesome:up:

[Poeman]

depps gonna have to be bald cause sweeny todd is all bald

[Metamorpho1977]

Tim Burton+Johnny Depp+Scissors=movie that somehow sounds familiar for some reason.

[Hoedowned]

depps gonna have to be bald cause sweeny todd is all bald

Yeah, we've seen Depp bald already in Fear & Loathing.

This sounds a more like a Coens brothers movie, or even a Terry Gilliam movie. But i guess Burton will do, but i hope he does that Ripley biopic first.

[Poeman]

Hey it would be perfect as a coens bros film

[Kipobe]

Yeah, when I heard about this I was wondering if they were just taking liberties with their perfect record so far (even though Charlie was probably the most controversial of them all), but the more and more I read about this play, it looks like they're in for their sixth hit.

I'm guessing this'll be after Burton and Carrey's Ripley's Believe it or Not flick... which I also had questions about... but holds high promises... (Ed Wood, anyone?)

This is great news. This is what I was hoping Burton would do after doing two flicks this year that had a more diverse appeal from his greatest stuff. I loved Chocolate Factory, and Corpse Bride was good... but this is where Burton shines. I look forward to hearing more about these two movies.

[Kipobe]

Also, anyone know what Burton/Depp's movies are at on IMDb as far as ratings? I think all 5 of them are 7.3 or higher, with Ed Wood being the winner.

[Octoberist]

As long as Burton does use John August as his screenwriter, I'm all for it.

I don't know...I just don't like August. His writting is empty..

[bored]

I didn't see a thread so:

January 7, 2006
Exclusive: Tim Burton & Johnny Depp Team For 'Sweeney Todd'
By Andrew Hartman, MovieMusicals.net
Status: Rumor From Valid Sources

According to anonymous sources, director Tim Burton and actor Johnny Depp, who together have worked on five major motion pictures including 'Edward Scissorhands' and more recently 'Charlie & the Chocolate Factory,' will team once more for the upcoming movie musical adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's 'Sweeney Todd.'

Depp will portray title character Sweeney Todd - the demon barber or Fleet Street - who slits the throats of his innocent (and not-so-innocent) customers.

As of last year, Sam Mendes ('Road to Perdition,' 'Jarhead') was rumored to be the frontrunner to direct, however he left the project shortly after 'Jarhead' opened in theatres.

It is unknown if Burton will opt to use the existing John Logan screenplay adaptation, or start from scratch. Therefore, a release date cannot be predicted at this time.

'Sweeney Todd' first opened on Broadway in 1979 which starred Len Cariou, Angela Lansbury, Victor Garber, and Ken Jennings. The show is currently on Broadway in its second revival, starring Patti LuPone and Michael Cerveris. The show features a score by legendary composer Stephen Sondheim who in his career has earned eight Tony awards, including Best Score for 'Sweeney Todd.'

An official announcement is expected in the coming weeks.

Source - Movie Musicals.net (http://moviemusicals.net/news.html#010706)
------------------------------------------------------

:eek: Surely I'm not the only one excited by the prospect of this movie. It seems like the perfect material for Burton's style.


As long as Depp can sing, I will probably enjoy this.


"Try the fiddle player, but be careful, it's a bit stringy."
"*examining* Piccolo."
"How do you know?"
"Because, it's piping hot."

[green]

:eek: Surely I'm not the only one excited by the prospect of this movie. It seems like the perfect material for Burton's style.


You are so right, it seems absolutely perfect for Burton and Depp as well...

[DACrowe]

This isn't Coens because they only do American movies and this is based on a TRUE STORY (loosley) hundreds of years ago in London.

The idea of Burton and Depp doing a musical adaptation of the one with great Sondheim music about a guy murdering people so his gal pal can cook them in meat pies....wow this right up there alley.

And the idea of Burton and Depp doing a musical is most amusing.

We'll see though.

[ZER0C00L]

There was a decent "Sweeney Todd" Cable movie starring Ben Kingsley circa '97.

I'd say have him star in it and have Nolan direct it.

Or Americanize it. Have Chris Cooper as Sweeney Todd and have the Cohen Brothers direct it.
:down
Burton/Depp idea is just uninspired.:rolleyes:

Nolan = overrated

[Bud Dwyer]

This is the tale of Sweeney Todd...
Who worshipped a dark and ungrateful God.
---

THEY ARE GOING TO MESS THIS UP. Bonham Carter is gonna get Mrs. Lovett and neither can sing probably and argh!

Burton, this HAS to be R. Or I will kill you for you would have raped the greatest musical thriller of all time.

That'll be all. Bye.

[da creole kid]

I can agree that Nolan's overrated, but so is Burton.

It is all the same movie with this a-hole. Except "Big Fish", and that wasn't special.

[Octoberist]

In theory, anybody who has sucess is overrated. Who NOT overrated anymore? In fact, 'overrated' is just an overrated word!

[da creole kid]

Scorcese's not overratted

[Octoberist]

maybe you missed my point, da creole kid.

An opinion is an opinion and that's fine. But there's people out there who thing anyone who gains sucess or popularity is all of sudden overrated. Is it true? Well It's up to you. It's just a thought, and I'm not trying to bash on anyone.

BY the way, I love Scorcese!

[da creole kid]

DeNiro's not overrated. He sometimes make dumb decisions.

[Kipobe]

In theory, anybody who has sucess is overrated. Who NOT overrated anymore? In fact, 'overrated' is just an overrated word!
Haha. I love you and your brain. Let's make out behind the bleachers during 5th period:O

[Bat Brain]

Synopsis of the original musical:

Sweeney Todd tells the story of Benjamin Barker, a London barber who in the story's past was sent as a prisoner to Australia by the unscrupulous Judge Turpin, who desired and subsequently raped Barker's wife. Years later, Barker returns to London calling himself Sweeney Todd and craving revenge against the Judge. He moves into a flat above a pie shop in Fleet Street run by his former neighbor Mrs. Lovett, who becomes his partner in crime. After being foiled in his attempt to kill the Judge, he goes mad and begins cutting throats indiscriminately; their bodies are then ground up to make the meat pies sold by Mrs. Lovett. Though Todd initially thinks he can have both his revenge and personal happiness with Mrs. Lovett, he is still deeply scarred by the loss of his wife and daughter, an emotional trauma exacerbated by the shocking revelation of his wife's true fate.

[Kipobe]

Elfman hates musicals. This isn't gonna work:(

[Sweeney Todd]

Oh my.

[Splinter]

:mad: If I hear about ONE more Tim Burton/Johnny Depp collaboration..... .

[Kipobe]

IMDb Ratings for Timmy and Johnny flicks:


[2005] Corpse Bride (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0121164/) -- 7.4/10 (10,824 votes)


[2005] Charlie & the Chocolate Factory (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367594/) -- 7.5/10 (30,998 votes)


[1999] Sleepy Hollow (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0162661/) -- 7.4/10 (45,985 votes)


[1994] Ed Wood (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109707/) -- 8.0/10 (27,558 votes) #195 of all time


[1990] Edward Scissorhands (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099487/) -- 7.7/10 (33,907 votes)


Average rating: 7.6/10

Why do people get so pissed by Depp and Burton flicks? Everytime they work together, it produces good fruit. Sure, they do work together alot... but all 5 of those films are basically different genres... so they're exploring new stuff each time.

This next flick will be something new again... though puts me in mind of Ed Wood a bit. I personally am looking forward to it, and I can't help thinking what amazing material this is for Burton. Sadly, not for Elfman. I have no idea what will happen there.

[Hunter Rider]

http://www.latinoreview.com/news.php?id=878

Depp To Play Sweeney Todd!
Date: August 16, 2006

By: Kellvin Chavez
Source: DreamWorks Studios (http://www.latinoreview.com/news.php?id=878)

DreamWorks Studios announced today that Johnny Depp (http://www.latinoreview.com/news.php?id=878#) has been set to star and Tim Burton to direct "Sweeney Todd," the award-winning Stephen Sondheim musical thriller.

The co-production with Warner Bros. will star Johnny Depp as the titular Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Depp is currently starring in the record-breaking blockbuster, "Pirates of the Caribbean (http://www.latinoreview.com/news.php?id=878#): Dead Man's Chest."

"Sweeney Todd" marks the 6th collaboration between the actor and director. The previous Burton-Depp films have been "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (http://www.latinoreview.com/news.php?id=878#)," "Corpse Bride," "Ed Wood," "Edward Scissorhands" and "Sleepy Hollow."

Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald will partner with Richard Zanuck and John Logan to produce the screenplay adaptation which was written by Logan. Production is planned to begin early next year for a late 2007 release. Paramount will distribute for DreamWorks domestically and Warner Bros. internationally.

The Broadway production of "Sweeney Todd," with Sondheim's music (http://www.latinoreview.com/news.php?id=878#) and lyrics and a book by Hugh Wheeler based on the play by Christopher Bond, opened in 1979 and won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Its mix of the comic, the dramatic and the macabre held together by Sondheim's movie-like score has had hundreds of productions throughout the world. A highly acclaimed revival is now playing in New York.

The story of "Sweeney Todd" is of a wrongfully imprisoned barber in Victorian England who sets out to seek revenge on the judge who imprisoned him. The plot is foreshadowed in the first lines of the opening number: "Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd./His skin was pale and his eye was odd./He shaved the faces of gentlemen/Who never thereafter were heard of again."

Sondheim is known in the theater for the lyrics to "West Side Story" and "Gypsy," the music and lyrics for "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," "Company," "Follies," "A Little Night Music" and the Pulitzer Prize-winning "Sunday in the Park With George," among others, as well as the film scores of "Stavisky" and "Reds" (the latter co-written with Dave Grusin) and the Academy Award(R)-winning Best Original Song "Sooner or Later" from the Warren Beatty movie "Dick Tracy."

Former DreamWorks co-heads Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald have produced or executive produced a wide range of critically and commercially successful films, including the Oscar-winning "Gladiator," the "Men In Black" and "Ring" series, as well as "Catch Me If You Can," "Minority Report," and "The Terminal," the latter all directed by Steven Spielberg.

"Sweeney Todd" will mark Richard Zanuck's third collaboration with DreamWorks, having produced "Deep Impact" and "Road to Perdition" for the studio. The film will also mark Zanuck's reunion with Johnny Depp and Tim Burton (http://www.latinoreview.com/news.php?id=878#) with whom he produced last year's international hit "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Among his many films, Zanuck won a Best Picture Oscar as a producer for "Driving Miss Daisy" and has received the Academy's Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award for consistently producing high quality motion pictures.

Tim Burton is also developing the Paramount production of "Ripley's Believe It Or Not."

Producer/Writer John Logan's most recent screenplays were "The Aviator" and "The Last Samurai," and he was nominated for an Oscar for his work on DreamWorks' "Gladiator."

[Bat Brain]

Finally, confirmation. I can't wait for this movie. Thanks for the heads-up HR :up:

[Cinemaman]

IMDb Ratings for Timmy and Johnny flicks:

[2005] Corpse Bride (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0121164/) -- 7.4/10 (10,824 votes)
[2005] Charlie & the Chocolate Factory (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367594/) -- 7.5/10 (30,998 votes)
[1999] Sleepy Hollow (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0162661/) -- 7.4/10 (45,985 votes)
[1994] Ed Wood (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109707/) -- 8.0/10 (27,558 votes) #195 of all time
[1990] Edward Scissorhands (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099487/) -- 7.7/10 (33,907 votes)Average rating: 7.6/10

Why do people get so pissed by Depp and Burton flicks? Everytime they work together, it produces good fruit. Sure, they do work together alot... but all 5 of those films are basically different genres... so they're exploring new stuff each time.

This next flick will be something new again... though puts me in mind of Ed Wood a bit. I personally am looking forward to it, and I can't help thinking what amazing material this is for Burton. Sadly, not for Elfman. I have no idea what will happen there.

Sometimes I think I am only one guy, who loves every Burton&Dep movie :eek: :(

[Cinemaman]

Good job, hunter :up:

Can't wait for this movie :)

[Carmine Falcone]

The only Depp/Burton combo I haven't seen yet is The Corpse Bride but Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Sleepy Hollow, Ed Wood and Edward Scissorhands are all ****ing brilliant movies. So yeah, bring it on!

[Cinemaman]

^^^

TCB is one of my favorite animation movies :up:

[Hunter Rider]

Finally, confirmation. I can't wait for this movie. Thanks for the heads-up HR :up:

:up:
I wonder if this deal with WB will be part of him doing I AM Legend

[porchmonkey408]

They are going to "Rent" this movie I know it.

They are going to cut out half the songs and rape the singing...I know it.

But I'll still see it because the musical is one of my favorites.

And to a previous post, Sweeney does not have to be bald. George Hearn.

He's only bald in the new revival which killed the score and the acting was sub-par. **** everyone who thought Pajama Game didn't deserve it.

But yeah. Sweeney Todd is probably going to suck. If you want great musical theatre, buy the taped performance of Todd on DVD starring Angela Lansbury and George Hearn, thats REAL mutha-****in' musical theatre.

Now, if they want to do a musical with Depp, bring Assassins to the screen Burton.

Or bring Follies to the screen someone! Except not, because I want to one day. Sunday in the Park with George! Come on!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not Sweeney Todd, the thing is practically an opera. Unless it retains at least 90% of the score, it won't be right, I just know it. I can feel it.

[Riven]

Elfman hates musicals. This isn't gonna work
Yeah, cause Nightmare Before Christmas wasn't a perfect musical with every song written (and most performed) by Danny Elfman... :confused:


To everyone who seems to hate Burton/Depp combo's: I'm sorry, but get stuffed!! :o If you don't like 'em, don't watch 'em. Some of us actually DO like Burton movies, ESPECIALLY when they star Johnny Depp. And how anyone can say it's "always the same movie" is beyond me... Edward Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow, Ed Wood, CATCF are about as diverse a set of movies and parts as you can get. Even Corpse Bride, which re-hashed a lot of ideas and imagery from TNBC and Sleepy Hollow, was original and splendid in its execution.



I'm looking forward to Sweeney Todd, as I look forward to every new Burton movie. He's only let me down (a little) once or twice in the past, so I'm definitely game for something that sounds this great!

[porchmonkey408]

But hey, concerning the whole "get stuffed" issue. For those people who love Sondheim and Todd especially, would we not want to see this movie just for our loyalty? So how can we get stuffed if we see it for other reasons than Depp/Burton? It is not fair to use the "If you don't like it, don't watch it" arguement anyway, because seriously, nobody thinks that through. How can we know if we will like/dislike it if we don't see it? And if we hate it, why watch it?

[Catman]

I didn't see a thread on Tim Burton's adaptation of Sweeney Todd.

Any thoughts?

Personally, I think Burton is perfect for this material. But. . .as usual. . .there already seems to be a backlash. I think people should wait to see the film before they start complaining.

[bored]

Burton can do it. The only question is: Can Depp sing?

[Kipobe]

There's like... a thousand threads on this, and I've never once seen anyone speak bad about it. It's pretty much understood that Burton is THE director for this film. The handful of people complaining are the ones tired of Burton/Depp collaborations for whatever reason... I mean, they're a bloody hit everytime they're together.

[Max J Power]

But. . .as usual. . .there already seems to be a backlash. I think people should wait to see the film before they start complaining.
There seems to be a fair number of people who hate anything Tim Burton does.

[green]

Burton, Depp and Sweeney Todd are such a good fit.

[Catman]

There's like... a thousand threads on this, and I've never once seen anyone speak bad about it.

Go to the boards at IMDb. Everyone is complaining there.

[Majik1387]

I just saw the show last friday night and I can hoinestly say Tim Burton will be great with it. It has the feel of Corpse Bride and Nightmare Before Christmas but it's darker. It's a musical for those who don't know.
I don't bother with imdb boards so their complaining means nothing to me.

[Catman]

I just saw the show last friday night and I can hoinestly say Tim Burton will be great with it. It has the feel of Corpse Bride and Nightmare Before Christmas but it's darker. It's a musical for those who don't know.

I know. It's perfect for Burton. Although, based on his history, I wonder if he'll make some changes.

Also, Johnny Depp is playing Sweeney Todd. I wonder. . .is this the first villain Depp is playing? I can't recall any other time he's played a villain.

Maybe someone can refresh my memory.

[Fran]

Borat (Sacha Baron Cohen) is trying to get a role in it.

[xwolverine2]

they're a bloody hit everytime they're together.
no........ its a hit everytime depp is in any movie...

tim burtons BIG FISH was a piece of crap

[Catman]

Borat (Sacha Baron Cohen) is trying to get a role in it.

I think he'd be perfect to play Signor Adolfo Pirelli.

[Fran]

I think that's the role he's trying to get.

[Catman]

There's rumors that he has already landed the role.

[Kipobe]

no........ its a hit everytime depp is in any movie...

tim burtons BIG FISH was a piece of crap
It still doesn't change what I said... Burton/Depp collaborations are always good. Burton is a great director without Depp... just because he's had a few shortcomings here and there.

[Fran]

I thought Big Fish was alright.

[Catman]

I thought Big Fish was alright.

I thought it was awesome.

[Carmine Falcone]

^It's fantastic.

This sounds quite good. But I'm not big on musicals.

[Hades]

Depp is taking singling lessons for the role.

He played in a band for years before he started acting anyway, so it shouldn't be that much of a stretch.

[Catman]

The problem is the singing stlye. Sweeney Todd is a baritone while Johnny Depp is probably used to singing in tenor. But, I'm sure he'll be able to pull it off.

[green]

no........ its a hit everytime depp is in any movie...

tim burtons BIG FISH was a piece of crap


cough*thelibertine*cough


Big Fish was fantastic.:o

[Kipobe]

Oh yeah, amidst trying to make my point to xwolverine, I forgot to say that... but it should be obvious. Big Fish was a great movie.

[green]

Oh yeah, amidst trying to make my point to xwolverine, I forgot to say that... but it should be obvious. Big Fish was a great movie.


If you read the book Big Fish and then see the movie, you can really see the genius of what Butron did IMO.:up:

[Kipobe]

Burton is fascinating with source material. People don't get the genius in his vision unless they see where it all came from. There is no better way to describe Willy Wonka than he did with his film. It's a shame that Wilder's well known impersonation of the character is what most people have sketched in their minds.... but in reality Burton's spin on the book is what I had in my mind 20 years ago. He's such a visionary.

[Catman]

Yeah. . .which is why its gonna be interesting to see what he'll do with Sweeney Todd.

[Leto Atrides]

I think Burton is a great choice for a director. It's already very dark and gothic with some black humor. The only thing I'm worried about is that the story is ultimately very tragic, and I've never seen Burton do anything like that. Even his very dark stories, like Edward Scissorhands, still has some hope and happiness somewhere in there. Sweeney Todd has none.

Also, I don't know about Depp. I think the best actor for to play Sweeney is a physically imposing baritone. George Hearn was PERFECT imo. Depp could be good in the film, but not without changing the character.

George Hearn singing Epiphany (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cNy_uhzK2k)

[Catman]

I think the best actor for to play Sweeney is a physically imposing baritone.

Depp is taking lessons. He'll be able to do it. It wouldn't be the first time a tenor did baritone.

[Leto Atrides]

Depp is taking lessons. He'll be able to do it. It wouldn't be the first time a tenor did baritone.

I'm sure he cand do it. But I think it would be better to get someone really appropriate and experienced than having someone stretch for it.

The whole, "Johhny Depp is a great actor, he can pull off [insert role here]" thing is getting really tiresome. He's a great actor, and he can play most roles decently well. But that's just ridiculous to say, "He'd suffice. Let's just put him in everything." I'd much rather see a very limited actor be completely perfect in a role than see a great actor just pull it off.

[Franklin Richards]

I just don't see a tenor pulling off such a rich baritone part.


:thing: :doom: :thing:

[green]

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117953850.html?categoryid=13&cs=1

Cohen to cut chops on 'Sweeney Todd'
Thesp signs on for role in Burton pic
By MICHAEL FLEMING

Cohen

Sacha Baron Cohen has firmed plans to follow "Borat" with some barbering in "Sweeney Todd," the screen version of the Stephen Sondheim musical Tim Burton will shoot for DreamWorks and Warner Bros.
Cohen will play Signor Adolfo Pirelli, a barber who becomes the nemesis of Sweeney Todd. Todd's the barber who teams with the murderess Mrs. Lovett (Helena Bonham Carter) to kill people, grind them up and use them in her meat pies.

Cohen will be putting in only a couple weeks of work.

Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald are producing with Richard D. Zanuck and John Logan. Logan wrote the script.

Since "Sweeney Todd" shoots in London in February, the picture is the next up for Cohen. The musical offers him the opportunity to create another eclectic character, as he did when he played the race car driver Jean Girard in "Talladega Nights."

As "Borat" continues to establish itself as a box office juggernaut, Cohen has just begun working out the story beats of "Bruno," the feature he'll make for Universal, playing the Austrian fashion reporter character he created for "Da Ali G Show."

"Bruno" is on course to shoot next year. Also looming for Cohen are two longstanding acting attachments, in the Tina Fey-scripted "Curly Oxide and Vic Thrill" at Paramount, and the remake of the Francis Veber comedy "Dinner for Schmucks" at DreamWorks.

Cohen's repped by Endeavor and managed by Jimmy Miller.

[Majik1387]

I'm happy Helena Bonham Carter is Mrs. Lovett.
Borat looks dumb as hell to me but I think Sacha Baron Cohen will be a great Pirelli.:)

[블라스]

I'll watch this, of course.
But I really wanted the Tim Burton/Jim Carrey "Ripley" project to happen first.

[Catman]

I'm glad Sasha Baron Cohen is in the film. The man is a brilliant performer and its nice to see him expand. He's been Ali G/Borat/Bruno for so many years that its about that he played other roles.

[Majik1387]

Well according to imdb.com Alan Rickman is cast as Judge Turpin. I know imdb is a bad source for upcoming movies, but I really like this casting if it's true. Don't flame me for referring to imdb as a source, I was bored so I listened to Sweeney Todd and thought I should see what imdb has to say since I haven't heard anything since Sacha Baron Cohen being cast as Pirelli.

[Catman]

For those of you who haven't seen the play and are curious as to the roles Johnny Depp and Borat are playing...here's a little preview :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xACn7HpPUo

[green]

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=19075
Sweeney Todd Starts Principal Photography
Source: DreamWorks Pictures
February 26, 2007


Principal photography has begun in London on Sweeney Todd; starring Johnny Depp in the Tim Burton directed screen adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's award-winning musical thriller.

The DreamWorks Pictures and Warner Bros. co-production presents Depp as Sweeney Todd, a man unjustly sent to prison, who vows revenge not only for that cruel punishment but for the devastating consequences of what happened to his wife and daughter. When he returns to reopen his barber shop, he becomes the Demon Barber of Fleet Street who "shaved the heads of gentleman who never thereafter were heard from again."

"I've always wanted to do a musical and 'Sweeney Todd' is my favorite," said Tim Burton. "Stephen's blend of humor, horror and emotion is something that has always connected with me."

"Sometimes a story or stage production has to wait a long time until the right people come together to turn it into a motion picture," said Stephen Sondheim. "That's what has happened with 'Sweeney Todd' and I'm excited as well as confident that it will be a first-rate and startling movie."

This will be the sixth collaboration between Depp and Burton who worked previously together on Tim Burton's Corpse Bride, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Ed Wood, Edward Scissorhands and Sleepy Hollow. Depp comes fresh from completing the third "Pirates of the Caribbean" film in the Academy Award nominated role of Captain Jack Sparrow.

Also starring in the Parkes/MacDonald and Zanuck Company production is Helena Bonham Carter as Mrs. Lovett who creates her diabolical meat pies while becoming Sweeney's amorous accomplice. Alan Rickman is the evil Judge Turpin who sent him unfairly to prison, thereby sowing the seeds of Sweeney's vengeance. Timothy Spall plays the Judge's wicked associate Beadle Bamford. Sacha Baron Cohen is a rival barber, the flamboyant Signor Adolfo Pirelli, and Christopher Lee takes on the role of the gentleman ghost.

Rounding out the cast are Jamie Campbell Bowen as the young sailor Anthony, Jayne Wisener as Johanna, Laura Michelle Kelly as the beggar woman, and newcomer Ed Sanders plays Toby.

All the stars will do their own singing from Stephen Sondheim's music and lyrics.

The film is produced by Richard D. Zanuck, Walter Parkes, Laurie MacDonald, and John Logan from a screenplay by Logan. The original Broadway production had Sondheim's music and lyrics and a book by Hugh Wheeler based on a play by Christopher Bond. It won eight Tony Awards including Best Musical.

Its mix of the shockingly macabre, comic and dramatic, supported by Sondheim's movie-like score has had hundreds of productions through the world, most recently a highly acclaimed production on Broadway. What once might have been taboo and ghoulish became deliciously entertaining.

Joining Burton at Pinewood to create his vision is director of photography Dariusz Wolski ("Pirates of the Caribbean" I, II, III), production designer Academy Award winner Dante Ferrati (The Aviator), costume designer two time Academy Award winner Colleen Atwood (Memoirs of a Geisha, Chicago), hair and make up designer Academy Award winner Peter Owen ("The Lord of the Rings"), and editor Chris Lebenzon.

The film will be distributed domestically by Paramount for a late 2007 release and distributed internationally by Warner Bros.

[Majik1387]

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=19075
I love you just so you know. :)

[green]

I love you just so you know. :)

:heart: :woot:

[Catman]

wow, green, I'm surprised someone actually remembered this thread. It makes me glad that I'm not the only one interested in this movie.

[green]

Doesnt everyone love a good Sondheim musical?:huh:
Throw Burton and Depp in there and call me excited.:woot:

Id love to see Into the Woods brought to the screen.

[Catman]

Doesnt everyone love a good Sondheim musical?:huh:

I've asked that a bunch of times. This is the generation that hates musicals, I'm afraid.

[Majik1387]

I like the majority of them but the story of Company is boring to me.

[green]

I've asked that a bunch of times. This is the generation that hates musicals, I'm afraid.

I grew up on em. My mother used to drag me to everything and Im extremely thankful for it.:woot:
Ill always love a good musical.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v662/markofort/stcd4jg6.jpg

[Catman]

Is that a real poster or did you make that?

[GREEN =w= DAY]

sweet!!

Burton + Depp = AWESOME!!!!!

[green]

Is that a real poster or did you make that?

Its real.

[Cinemaman]

Poster looks great, can't wait to see trailer :up:

[Catman]

Production must be kinda depressing right now.

From IMDB:
Depp's Daughter 'Seriously Ill'

Johnny Depp's seven-year-old daughter Lily-rose is seriously ill in an English hospital, according to British newspaper Daily Mirror. The Pirates Of The Caribbean actor, 43, and his partner Vanessa Paradis, 34, are holding a vigil at the child's bedside after she was struck down by the undisclosed illness nine days ago. The Mirror claims it knows what medical condition Lily-Rose is suffering from, but have decided to withhold it from the press out of respect for the privacy of Depp's family. Depp had been filming Sweeney Todd in London and Buckinghamshire when his daughter was rushed to hospital last week. A hospital source says, "He has not asked for any special favors but just wants the best for his child, like any parent. "It is such a difficult time for him but he is hanging in there for the sake of his daughter and the whole family is just praying that she gets better. They are taking each day as it comes. "It's been an emotional rollercoaster for all of them and he's been worrying himself silly. He's a devoted dad and is spending as much time as he can with Lily." Depp and French model/actress Paradis also have a four-year-old son Jack.

[green]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v662/markofort/sweeeenytodd.jpg

[Catman]

Awesome!

[green]

Release date is set for 12/21/07 currently.

[Hunter Rider]

Depp:up:

[Cinemaman]

He reminds me the mix of Edwar Scissor-Hands and the main character from Sleepy Hollow :up:

[Catman]

Release date is set for 12/21/07 currently.

Yes, cause this is the type of movie I wanna see during Christmas! ;)

[porchmonkey408]

Michael Ceveris. That woulda pwned. I'm just scared Burton will take away the utter-ugliness of it and replace it with oddly-shaped trees, etc...

I'm excited.

What songs will remain? Because the opening and closing have to remain, as well as Johanna, "No Place Like London" and "The Worst Pies..." I don't know. I'm scared for this.

[PWN3R]

I can't believe I just heard about this. Perfect choice, I love Depp. I think it's a perfect fit. Honestly can't wait.

[MaskedManJRK]

Yes, cause this is the type of movie I wanna see during Christmas! ;)

S**t yeah, it would--the market at that time is so saturated with s**ty holiday movies, that it would be great to see something twisted and f**ked-up. It's like Black Christmas, but actually good. :up:

[Catman]

I'm scared for this.

Relax. Burton is working closely with Stephen Sondheim.

[green]

Relax. Burton is working closely with Stephen Sondheim.

Hey, new boobs.:up: :woot:

[Leto Atrides]

What songs will remain? Because the opening and closing have to remain, as well as Johanna, "No Place Like London" and "The Worst Pies..." I don't know. I'm scared for this.


If "Epiphany" isn't used, blood will be shed.

[Hunter Rider]

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c74/charlievets/sweeney011.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c74/charlievets/sweeney008.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c74/charlievets/sweeney006.jpg

[Catman]

awesome :up:

[Cinemaman]

He looks amazing, I hope his daughter will ok :up:

[Catman]

They said his daughter was ok after spending a few days on the hospital. I wonder if they shut down production or just filmed scenes that didn't involve Depp.

[Leto Atrides]

Does anyone know if they're going with the more minimalistic version of the music from the new staging, or the stronger original version? Because I sort of hate the new one, but it's the version being performed on Broadway, so I'm afraid they'll use that.

[Catman]

I don't know. I think they'll go with the original.

[Leto Atrides]

It's one of those things where, having the people on stage on stage playing the music is pretty cool, and is an interesting, daring concept, but the end product is still much better with full orchestral music.

[Catman]

Burton does seem to prefer a big orchestra. I don't think he has ever done a movie that didn't feature one.

[Carmine Falcone]

http://tv.infinitecoolness.com/14/eerieindiana16.jpg

[Catman]

Shouldn't we be getting a teaser soon? They've been filming for about 2 and a half months now. Atleast some set pics!

[Mr. Socko]

Tim Burton + Depp = Great


Edit: It's coming out this year! OMG YES!

[Catman]

December, I think.

[Darth Elektra]

Im looking forward to the film.

Here's a pic of Johnny:
http://img459.imageshack.us/img459/6200/st31oi5sq0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Jack Bauer]

He looks like he's doing From Hell or Sleepy Hollow again.

[Catman]

http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showthread.php?t=253743

[nocomics]

O, lookie a big surprise. Burton and depp working together,like spielberg and cruise. They are like bedfellows or something. Sometimes this is not a good thing(willy wonka,thought jim carrey would of done better,and since depp sounded and acted like carrey imo..).
Kindof funny, depp has done his best work when not working with burton imo...As I think Pirates movies are depps best work though I really haven't seen all of his movies...

[Kmack]

I've never heard of this until now but the story sounds awesome!:up:

[Darth Elektra]

Johnny was interviewed for AWE, but he had this to say about 'Sweeney Todd'

You and Tim Burton just finished filming the film version of the Tony-winning, Stephen Sondheim musical Sweeney Todd. What was the experience of filming such a classic musical like?

"All I can say is that I gave it the old college try, and did my best on it. I had a fantastic time doing it. How did I do? Well, you and the rest of the world will have to decide if I should ever do musicals – or even sing in public – again."

You've already done six movies with Tim – Edward Scissorhands, Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory and Corpse Bride – when and how did the idea of doing Sweeney Todd come about?

"Tim and I sort of talked about the idea years and years ago and we've been speaking about it, here and there, more recently and the success of Charlie kind of helped it happen.

"Once Tim and I get together and talk about stuff, that sets off a whole kind of domino effect of other people having to do stuff that Tim and I don't know how to do.

"It was really nice to work with Tim again."

Did you insist on taking voice lessons for Sweeney Todd?

"Oh, boy, that was a requirement I insisted on."

Was doing a musical such as Sweeney Todd nerve-racking or are you a singer at home?

"God, no. Never. I think, again, for an actor it's so important to challenge yourself, and I believe it's important to be potentially teetering on the brink of absolute flopdom."

In the past, you've talked about how the success of 21 Jump Street unsettled you when you first started out in this business. So, is it possible to mould a bit of commercial success into your artistic sensibility?

"I think that people can say and think what they want, but I know as good as that whole 21 Jump Street experience was for me in the long run – in terms of my career – it was like college. That was my college.

"That was great training, because it was five-days-a-week, nine months out of the year in front of a camera – learning, learning, learning.

"It was great schooling, but it was also something where they were pushing me into a direction that I didn't want to be involved with.

"I really hated the idea of being a product on someone else's terms.

"I'm savvy enough to understand that there is a business side to all of this, but I swore to myself back then that I would do the things that I wanted to do, and if I failed, I failed, and if it worked, it worked, but that I was going to stick with it.

"For me, I know that doing the Pirates of The Caribbean trilogy, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory or any of these other things, it's totally consistent with everything that I've done since Cry Baby as far as I'm concerned.

"There was never a moment when I thought that something was going to be a good career move or that I could make a lot of cash and skate for a while. I haven't changed any of my sort of processes or beliefs. I'm still dedicated to the same thing."

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,21747437-5003420,00.html

[Catman]

just finished

Just finished? This movie began production in Feb! They only shot for 3 months?! :huh:

[Mr. Socko]

That's about right. This isn't a huge fx movie.

[Hunter Rider]

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=20558

Christopher Lee Cut From Sweeney Todd
Source: Playbill (http://www.playbill.com/news/article/108247.html)
May 22, 2007


Playbill (http://www.playbill.com/news/article/108247.html) reports that Christopher Lee and a number of other characters have been cut from director (http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=20558#) Tim Burton's upcoming Sweeney Todd (http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=16053) adaptation, starring Johnny Depp (http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=20558#) and Helena Bonham Carter.

DreamWorks has confirmed reports that the ghost characters — including Lee's "Gentleman Ghost," as a previous release titled his role — have been cut from the film (http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=20558#).

The new "Gentleman Ghost" character raised many inquisitive eyebrows when Tim Burton's film cast was announced, since the stage musical (http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=20558#) does not employ such a character.

Lee told London's Telegraph: "It would have been worse if I had done the scenes, but I never got to film them. It's a shame as the lyrics were wonderful, but these things happen."

Sweeney Todd (http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=16053) opens in limited theaters (http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=20558#) on December 21 and expands on January 11.

[Darth Elektra]

Dang :(

[xwolverine2]

im not watching it with out lee

[Catman]

That's about right. This isn't a huge fx movie.

Yeah, but the movie doesn't come out till December! How much post-production does this movie need?

[BeserkerHilf]

FX work if any
editing, takes longer than you think
sound mix i can imagine being the big time taker on this one.

and besides, it's near June, less than six months sounds about right regarding post

[Darth Elektra]

Sondheim discussing the film version of Sweeney Todd.

Rick Pender, editor of The Sondheim Review, recently interviewed Stephen Sondheim for Around Cincinatti when he was in Cincinatti to accept an award from the Fine Arts Fund for his many creations of musical theatre and their impact on the local theatre scene. You can hear the whole interview here.

Here is an excerpt from the interview. discussing the forthcoming film version of Sweeney Todd.

RP: I wonder if you could comment a little bit about this movie and what it might be able to offer.

SS: Well, you know, as a movie buff it's a different kind of enthusiasm. Obviously one of the sacrifices you have to make when you do a movie of a stage piece is cutting because you don't want the movie to be too long – or the producers don't want it to be too long. You have to cut songs or make internal cuts within the songs which we've done in Sweeney, but the screenwriter, John Logan, who loves the show, has been very careful to preserve as much as possible and together we have re-shaped certain aspects of the score.

On the other hand you get another value in movies that you don't get on the stage which is close-up, intensity; you get a kind of scenic - for lack of a better word – realism, even though it's a very melodramatic and unreal story. And you can manipulate the audiences' responses much more easily in movies by the simple fact of things like close-ups, the position of the camera and what the director chooses for you to look at, as well as, of course, the whole idea of montage, meaning cutting. So it will have a different kind of intensity. The interesting thing to see will be whether an audience will accept people starting to sing after they've been speaking. (In) most movie musicals the songs don't really have to do with the speech. Some of that came out of Dreamgirls , there are little passages where speech goes into song, but for the most part the numbers are numbers performed by the show-business people in it, as parts of shows, what they call source numbers. Whereas (in) Sweeney of course, all the numbers arise out of dialogue and so there are no source numbers at all.

And movies are a reportorial medium and the theatre is a poetic medium; movies are two dimensional, theatre stuff is three dimensional - literally - and the suspension of disbelief when people on the screen start from speech into song is a much harder thing to achieve I think. When people come into the theatre – a theatre - they have signed an imaginary contract that they're going to be looking at people who are going to be looking out at them; there's going to be a missing fourth wall; people are going to be facing front and, particularly in musicals, they're going to be delivering things directly out front and at the same time you're trying to tell the audience a story that they will believe in even though the people on stage aren't even necessarily looking at each other. And when speech goes into song in the theatre, it's acceptable, people accept that, that's part of the convention. When they go from speech into song in movies it's harder to accept and I'm very curious to see whether that works.

RP: Well, we'll all be able to see those results - around the end of the year, I believe the film is set for release…..

SS: Yes, December.

http://www.sondheim.org/php/news.php?id=2315

[Darth Elektra]

Fan made poster: *Credit goes to the maker.
http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/2315/sweeneytoddposterrm3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Catman]

Sondheim discussing the film version of Sweeney Todd.

Rick Pender, editor of The Sondheim Review, recently interviewed Stephen Sondheim for Around Cincinatti when he was in Cincinatti to accept an award from the Fine Arts Fund for his many creations of musical theatre and their impact on the local theatre scene. You can hear the whole interview here.

Here is an excerpt from the interview. discussing the forthcoming film version of Sweeney Todd.

RP: I wonder if you could comment a little bit about this movie and what it might be able to offer.

SS: Well, you know, as a movie buff it's a different kind of enthusiasm. Obviously one of the sacrifices you have to make when you do a movie of a stage piece is cutting because you don't want the movie to be too long – or the producers don't want it to be too long. You have to cut songs or make internal cuts within the songs which we've done in Sweeney, but the screenwriter, John Logan, who loves the show, has been very careful to preserve as much as possible and together we have re-shaped certain aspects of the score.

On the other hand you get another value in movies that you don't get on the stage which is close-up, intensity; you get a kind of scenic - for lack of a better word – realism, even though it's a very melodramatic and unreal story. And you can manipulate the audiences' responses much more easily in movies by the simple fact of things like close-ups, the position of the camera and what the director chooses for you to look at, as well as, of course, the whole idea of montage, meaning cutting. So it will have a different kind of intensity. The interesting thing to see will be whether an audience will accept people starting to sing after they've been speaking. (In) most movie musicals the songs don't really have to do with the speech. Some of that came out of Dreamgirls , there are little passages where speech goes into song, but for the most part the numbers are numbers performed by the show-business people in it, as parts of shows, what they call source numbers. Whereas (in) Sweeney of course, all the numbers arise out of dialogue and so there are no source numbers at all.

And movies are a reportorial medium and the theatre is a poetic medium; movies are two dimensional, theatre stuff is three dimensional - literally - and the suspension of disbelief when people on the screen start from speech into song is a much harder thing to achieve I think. When people come into the theatre – a theatre - they have signed an imaginary contract that they're going to be looking at people who are going to be looking out at them; there's going to be a missing fourth wall; people are going to be facing front and, particularly in musicals, they're going to be delivering things directly out front and at the same time you're trying to tell the audience a story that they will believe in even though the people on stage aren't even necessarily looking at each other. And when speech goes into song in the theatre, it's acceptable, people accept that, that's part of the convention. When they go from speech into song in movies it's harder to accept and I'm very curious to see whether that works.

RP: Well, we'll all be able to see those results - around the end of the year, I believe the film is set for release…..

SS: Yes, December.

http://www.sondheim.org/php/news.php?id=2315

Cool. :up:

[xwolverine2]

teaser should come a bit after avp's teaser no?

[Catman]

If they already finished shooting then I want a teaser ASAP!

[Darth Elektra]

Sweeney Todd Site Opens for Business

One more to add to your Internet bookmarks. Dreamworks and Warner Bros. have staked their claim on the web for the upcoming Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Here's an official synopsis:

Johnny Depp and Tim Burton join forces again in a big-screen adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's award-winning musical thriller "Sweeney Todd." Depp stars in the title role as a man unjustly sent to prison who vows revenge, not only for that cruel punishment, but for the devastating consequences of what happened to his wife and daughter. When he returns to reopen his barber shop, Sweeney Todd becomes the Demon Barber of Fleet Street who “shaved the heads of gentlemen who never thereafter were heard from again.” Joining Depp is Helena Bonham Carter as Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney's amorous accomplice, who creates diabolical meat pies. The cast also includes Alan Rickman, who portrays the evil Judge Turpin, who sends Sweeney to prison and Timothy Spall as the Judge's wicked associate Beadle Bamford and Sacha Baron Cohen is a rival barber, the flamboyant Signor Adolfo Pirelli.

Site:
http://www.sweeneytoddmovie.com/

[Cinemaman]

The website sucks, but I think it just needs time to improve itself. So when are we getting first trailer???

[Darth Elektra]

So when are we getting first trailer???

Don't know.

I love the plot, sounds perfect for Johnny and Tim.

[Road Warrior]

The website sucks

Second that :csad:

[Catman]

Site:
http://www.sweeneytoddmovie.com/

Yuck! :csad:

[Darth Elektra]

[URL=http://imageshack.us]http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/5002/sweeneytoddposterki9.jpg

Nice :up:

[Hunter Rider]

Very cool

[Majik1387]

^Sexy in a creepy way:up:

[xwolverine2]

nice...finally a tim burtonish timburton movie.

corpse crap doesnt count

[Catman]

[URL=http://imageshack.us]http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/5002/sweeneytoddposterki9.jpg

Nice :up:

Best Burton poster EVER!

[블라스]

Better version:

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/8038/sweeneylargeaz1.jpg

[Darth Elektra]

^ That is an amazing poster.

[xwolverine2]

nice painting indeed

[Catman]

I like the tagline.

Never Forget.
Never Forgive.

[Mr. Socko]

Wow, poster looks great.

However I'm still not watching it in theaters because they cut out Sir Lee's role.

[Leto Atrides]

^^He would've just been in the chorus (as in Greek chorus-type chorus) if that makes it any better.

I like the tagline.

I guess "We all deserve to die" wouldn't have gone over as well.

[Catman]

I'm still not watching it in theaters because they cut out Sir Lee's role.

Did that stop you from watching LOTR: ROTK? :cwink:

[Mr. Socko]

Did that stop you from watching LOTR: ROTK? :cwink:


No but I was pretty damn pissed. I have yet to watch the theatrical cut of ROTK again and I never will. Cutting out Lee was the worst move Jackson did.

Extended cut FTMFW

[Leto Atrides]

I just wish they'd release a song to see how the cast can sing. It's got some hard music for a musical. The ballad of Sweeney Todd is something crazy like a 7 or 8 part harmony.

[Catman]

I just wish they'd release a song to see how the cast can sing. It's got some hard music for a musical. The ballad of Sweeney Todd is something crazy like a 7 or 8 part harmony.

I'm sure they'll release something soon.

[Carmine Falcone]

Great poster!

[chamber-music]

sweet Alan Rickmans in it as well.

[Darkly Dexter]

Better version:

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/8038/sweeneylargeaz1.jpg

Awesome poster

[Cinemaman]

Better version:

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/8038/sweeneylargeaz1.jpg

That's the best poster of this year! Amazing visual style and damn great background :eek:

Burton and Depp are back :up:

[Mr. Socko]

Yea I love the background as well as the rogue hair he's got goin' on.


I believe Depp and Burton hold the record for most director/actor collaborations?

Oh and many may not agree with me, but I personally think it would have been a bit better if the project was just a loose adaptation of the theater play, and was a serious dark film about Barker who becomes a murdering lunatic, instead of adapting it fully from theater and making it a musical.

[Bastila]

That poster is very cool, love the style of it.

[Leto Atrides]

Oh and many may not agree with me, but I personally think it would have been a bit better if the project was just a loose adaptation of the theater play, and was a serious dark film about Barker who becomes a murdering lunatic, instead of adapting it fully from theater and making it a musical.

There are how many Victorian serial killer stories though, it would have been pretty stupid to take the one that's a highly acclaimed, popular musical and make it a normal play. That's like saying, "Let's make a story about the west, we can take Oklahoma and make it not a musical."

I wouldn't mind a good Jack the Ripper or Spring-heel Jack movie, but Sweeney Todd is already immortalized in the present as an operatic musical. I realize the character existed long before Sondheim wrote the musical, but there is so much other material to draw from.

[Mr. Socko]

There are how many Victorian serial killer stories though, it would have been pretty stupid to take the one that's a highly acclaimed, popular musical and make it a normal play. That's like saying, "Let's make a story about the west, we can take Oklahoma and make it not a musical."

I wouldn't mind a good Jack the Ripper or Spring-heel Jack movie, but Sweeney Todd is already immortalized in the present as an operatic musical. I realize the character existed long before Sondheim wrote the musical, but there is so much other material to draw from.


I just recently read that it was originally a book and an old movie before a play, didn't know that.


I've never seen it, so I can't say if it can be pulled off or not(judging by reviews it can) I just don't usually see "dark serial killer" together with "musical" but if it's been a success on stage, I'm sure Burton can do the same with the medium of film.

[Leto Atrides]

It's basically an operetta that's a mix of dark comedy and tragedy, it doesn't really come off like a normal musical.

For example, this guy is the hero, literally in the sense that he's probably the most moral character in the play except for 1 or 2 people and yet he's singing this stuff:
2cNy_uhzK2k.

[Majik1387]

Anyone else like the subtle touch of the blood in between the floor boards? :D

[batboy99]

i didnt even notice that, good eye!

[Cinemaman]

So when will they release first trailer? :)

[Catman]

I believe Depp and Burton hold the record for most director/actor collaborations?

They've done six movies together. Scorsese and De Niro have done eight movies together. And John Wayne and John Ford made a s--tload together.

[Cinemaman]

^^^

I think he mean quality, not quantity ;)

[SuperBatman]

Tim Burton
Johnny Depp
Alan Rickman

What more can you ask for? I will be seeing this movie.

[Untilteld]

Tim Burton
Johnny Depp
Alan Rickman

What more can you ask for? I will be seeing this movie.

A cameo of Willy Wonka

[Tanin]

I hope John can sing. If not the whole movie is ****ty.

[Majik1387]

I hope John can sing. If not the whole movie is ****ty.
He can sing, just watch Cry Baby.

I'm just wondering if he can sing the role of Sweeney seeing as how it's a different vocal range than he is.

[Carmine Falcone]

Does anyone know if there are gonna be many songs in this movie, or just like in CATCF a short song every now and then?

[scifiwolf]

Catcf?

[Majik1387]

Does anyone know if there are gonna be many songs in this movie, or just like in CATCF a short song every now and then?
It's based on the Broadway show, hence it will have songs from the show in the movie.
Catcf?
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

[Leto Atrides]

Yeah, just to clear this up, the movie is based on a musical written by Stephen Sondheim in the 70s. He's also the guy who wrote Into the Woods, A Little Night Music, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Company, and the lyrics to West Side Story.

Sweeney Todd is itself (arguably) an operetta, like 2/3 of the lines are in song form. That's why it's really important Johnny Depp can sing, and not just decently. He personally is singing for half the show, assuming they keep all the songs. Every indication from Burton says they're keeping most of them.

[scifiwolf]

Charlie and the Chocolate FactoryOh yeah. Duh...

:D

[Majik1387]

Oh yeah. Duh...

:D
It's ok, it took me a while too.:oldrazz:

[Tanin]

He can sing, just watch Cry Baby.

I'm just wondering if he can sing the role of Sweeney seeing as how it's a different vocal range than he is.

That's good that he can sing. I watched the stage play before and the singing in it was top notch.

[PhoenixSparrow]

Johnny Depp wasn't singing in Cry Baby, but he can though, so I don't no why he didn't.

[Majik1387]

Johnny Depp wasn't singing in Cry Baby, but he can though, so I don't no why he didn't.
:wow: :csad:
I feel so cheated.

I mean I knew Amy Locane had Rachel Sweet singing for her, but I really thought Johnny did his own singing.:csad:

[PhoenixSparrow]

Sorry you feel cheated, lol James Intveld sings his parts.

[SolidSnakeMGS]

They've done six movies together. Scorsese and De Niro have done eight movies together. And John Wayne and John Ford made a s--tload together.

Let's not forget Kurosawa and Mifune. I think he mean quality, not quantityEh, the only good Burton/Depp movie so far is Ed Wood and MAYBE Edward Scissorhands. So IMO Scorsese/De Niro, Ford/Wayne, etc. have more quality and quantity collaborations.

[Mr. Socko]

Depp doesn't usually. As other have said, it wasn't him in Cry Baby nor did he sing in Corpse Bride. However he took many singing lessons for this role and through post-production, I'll sure he'll do well. And MGS, I think they've done very well is most of their collaborations, but their work isn't for everyone so I definitely can see if some people don't like 'em.

[PhoenixSparrow]

And he was in a rock band before he was an actor XD
But I don't think people should judge him, till they've actually watched and heard him sing, I think he'll be good, he certainly looks the part! lol

[scifiwolf]

I think Johnny will do well with the singing. He's very good at learning the nuances of the human voice. I remember hearing that he doesn't use language coaches for his accents. If he's been getting training, he'll be fine.

[Catman]

the only good Burton/Depp movie so far is Ed Wood and MAYBE Edward Scissorhands.

Thats crazy talk! Edward Scissorhands is a masterpiece. Ed Wood is great. Sleepy Hollow was a fun old skool horror movie. Willy Wonka was really good and Corpse Bride was as well.

[SolidSnakeMGS]

Thats crazy talk! Edward Scissorhands is a masterpiece. Ed Wood is great. Sleepy Hollow was a fun old skool horror movie. Willy Wonka was really good and Corpse Bride was as well.

Sleepy Hollow was a bore and an example of terrible pacing. I was severly disappointed in that one. Burton should have hit that one out of the park. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was an unnecessary overindulgence, not to mention overdone. But I admit I haven't seen Corpse Bride. I forgot about that one.

[Catman]

Sleepy Hollow was a bore and an example of terrible pacing. I was severly disappointed in that one. Burton should have hit that one out of the park.

:cmad:

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was an unnecessary overindulgence, not to mention overdone.

So...you never read the book, huh?

[Darth Elektra]

Sleepy Hollow was a bore and an example of terrible pacing. I was severly disappointed in that one.

I enjoy Sleepy Hollow alot!

[Majik1387]

The only people who didn't enjoy Sleepy Hollow were people expecting to see a Headless Horseman taking out almost an entire village where it's only saviors were Ichabod and whatever Ricci's character name was.

[Mr. Socko]

Thats crazy talk! Edward Scissorhands is a masterpiece. Ed Wood is great. Sleepy Hollow was a fun old skool horror movie. Willy Wonka was really good and Corpse Bride was as well.


Completely agree.

[JP]

I'm not a fan of the show.. or Sondheims score.. but I guess I'll see this just to support the genre.

[Majik1387]

^
:wow:
:csad:
:cmad:
:o

[JP]

What? I appreciate the score. It's lovely.. just not my cup of tea. That and the fact that the two main characters are horribly miscast adds to my distaste.

[Leto Atrides]

I'm excited for the movie, and willing to give Depp the benefit of the doubt, but I'm not really expecting much out Helena Bonham Carter.

[chamber-music]

as long as they don't let sacha baron choen sing it should be alright.

[Leto Atrides]

Pirelli is supposed to have such an exaggerated campy voice that actually having a good singing voice isn't necessary as long as he can stay on pitch.

[Darth Elektra]

First pic:

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/662/jackvo8.png (http://imageshack.us)

[dark_b]

First pic:

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/662/jackvo8.png (http://imageshack.us)a classic burton/depp movie :woot:

[Catman]

First pic:

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/662/jackvo8.png (http://imageshack.us)

AWESOME! :up:

[Carmine Falcone]

Nice and dark.

[dark_b]

Helena Bonham Carter was born to be in tim burtons movies

[xwolverine2]

First pic:

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/662/jackvo8.png (http://imageshack.us)

cool... just like the poster:woot:

i hope this is the movie that will get tim burton off his ass....
his last couple of movies have sucked balls

[Cyrusbales]

Burton hasn't made a good film for a rather long time. Perhaps this could see him returning to form?

[xwolverine2]

not since sleepy hollow.... Chocolate factory was w/e... but still not a tim burton movie. Big Fish was a piece of ****. Corpse Bride was such a shame.

[Cyrusbales]

Even sleepy hollow was nothing more than a homage to expressionist films. And was kinda dull overall.

[xwolverine2]

I guess loved sleepy hollow because the headless horseman was sexy....

[SuperBatman]

I want a trailer.

[Carmine Falcone]

Big Fish was a piece of ****.

:dry:

[xwolverine2]

yessir

[Carmine Falcone]

Why do you think it's a piece of ****?

[xwolverine2]

it was just boring... horribly boring...random story about nothing, which lead to nothing.

The Fountain > Big Fish

[JP]

4iLKi_8pnz8

[xwolverine2]

4iLKi_8pnz8

i fixed it:o

[Cyrusbales]

it was just boring... horribly boring...random story about nothing, which lead to nothing.

The Fountain > Big Fish


then again, the fountain > most films.

[JP]

Whoops wasn't paying attention.

[Darth Elektra]

I love the pic.

[WorthyStevens]

Even sleepy hollow was nothing more than a homage to expressionist films. And was kinda dull overall.

Not sure I totally agree with that, but would it really be a bad thing?

[Catman]

Burton hasn't made a good film for a rather long time. Perhaps this could see him returning to form?

not since sleepy hollow.... Chocolate factory was w/e... but still not a tim burton movie. Big Fish was a piece of ****. Corpse Bride was such a shame.

Even sleepy hollow was nothing more than a homage to expressionist films. And was kinda dull overall.

You two are crazy! Planet of the Apes is the only bad movie Burton has ever made!

[Cyrusbales]

Not sure I totally agree with that, but would it really be a bad thing?

He cloned the location used in nosferatu to make up the set design, and the nature of the headless horseman was very similar to Nosferatu.

Not too mention the framing and lighting conventions he used.

It's a good homage, but not a particularly good stand alone film.

[PhoenixSparrow]

Great pic, can't wait for a trailer!

[Mr. Socko]

Apes and Mars are the only Burton films I don't like. If you don't care for his style, you wont like this film.

[Bastila]

Cool picture very dark, hope the trailer comes out soon, looks cool.

[xwolverine2]

Apes and Mars are the only Burton films I don't like. If you don't care for his style, you wont like this film.

mars was awesome..... apes was ****

[JP]

According to Rotten Tomatoes, Apes and Mars are Burton's only bad movies. Mars Attacks is awesome, though. :o

I don't see what Burton's visual style has to do with this film. It adds to the overall feel but I doubt anyone will not see this film because they "don't like the visual style". I think it being a musical is the only reason anyone wouldn't see it. In this day an age, people can believe flying men in tights and a man dressed like a bat, but people singing in a film is totally ridiculous. :dry:

[xwolverine2]

According to Rotten Tomatoes, Apes and Mars are Burton's only bad movies. Mars Attacks is awesome, though. :o

I don't see what Burton's visual style has to do with this film. It adds to the overall feel but I doubt anyone will not see this film because they "don't like the visual style".

maybe people that think the casting was miscast:cmad:

[JP]

maybe people that think the casting was miscast:cmad:
Pfft, I updated my post. :o

[xwolverine2]

Still doesnt matter :o

[Mr. Socko]

According to Rotten Tomatoes, Apes and Mars are Burton's only bad movies. Mars Attacks is awesome, though. :o

I don't see what Burton's visual style has to do with this film. It adds to the overall feel but I doubt anyone will not see this film because they "don't like the visual style". I think it being a musical is the only reason anyone wouldn't see it. In this day an age, people can believe flying men in tights and a man dressed like a bat, but people singing in a film is totally ridiculous. :dry:

This entire film is Burton's style. I'm sure it will be Burtonesque in everything from visual flaire, to Burton's literal storytelling notion.

[rdh007]

This is the play we did when I was in high school. I'm looking forward to it for that alone.

[Apollo]

awesome can't wait!! i love all of tim burtons movies! Edward scissorhands, Big Fish, The nightmare before Christmas, and hes Batmans are my top favorites....except planet of the apes....that was bad

[Majik1387]

I think I'm the only one who liked his Planet of the Apes.:csad:

[Mr. Socko]

I think I'm the only one who liked his Planet of the Apes.:csad:


Burton was a tool on that atrocity.

And wtf was with the ending..................

[xwolverine2]

oh and btw.... no danny elfman is never a good thing!:o

[batboy99]

I think I'm the only one who liked his Planet of the Apes.:csad:
i liked it, not exactly like how planet of the apes shoulda been but i didnt hate it

[Leto Atrides]

oh and btw.... no danny elfman is never a good thing!:o

I hope you're not talking about this, would you have wanted Danny Elfman to re-score a 30 year old musical?

[Majik1387]

Burton was a tool on that atrocity.
And wtf was with the ending..................
Well I avoid the interviews for upcoming movies.
As for the ending, it was just what all movies do nowadays, leaving a cliffhanger.
oh and btw.... no danny elfman is never a good thing!:o
I usually agree with this for Burton's movies, but since I love the score of the musical Sweeney Todd, I wouldn't want Elfman messing with it.

[JP]

Who's composing the score for the film?

[danoyse]

Well I avoid the interviews for upcoming movies.
As for the ending, it was just what all movies do nowadays, leaving a cliffhanger.

I believe that was the original ending of the Planet of the Apes novel.

[xwolverine2]

I hope you're not talking about this, would you have wanted Danny Elfman to re-score a 30 year old musical?

not change it, but rather make it fit into a movie form....

[Mr. Socko]

I agree. Elfman can work wonders. This is an adaptation, I thought.

[danoyse]

not change it, but rather make it fit into a movie form....

And what's wrong with Sondheim's score?? :huh:

[JP]

It's fantastic as is. Usually musicals get someone to do the underscore, but Sweeney already has that as well.

[Leto Atrides]

I agree. Elfman can work wonders. This is an adaptation, I thought.

Sondheim is still alive for God's sake. And I don't think Elfman has ever done much arrangement, which is the only thing this might need. Orchestration has never been his strong suit. We'd end up with it sounding really sythesized, with an artificial choir piping away all the time (just because it worked in Batman and Beetlejuice doesn't mean you need to do it in every movie Danny).

[Apollo]

i'm surprised danny elfman isnt doing the music, he seems to do all of burton movies

[Majik1387]

Sweeney Todd already has enough music. It doesn't need any original music or mixing of arrangements.

[xwolverine2]

And what's wrong with Sondheim's score?? :huh:

sondheim might be great and all but he's no Danny Elfman


and just so you know.. danny elfman scored a little movie called Chicago...:oldrazz:

[Majik1387]

He didn't change anything from the original music from the show. He only added 1-2 songs.

[JP]

I'd have to disagree.

Sondheim > Elfman.

[Leto Atrides]

sondheim might be great and all but he's no Danny Elfman


and just so you know.. danny elfman scored a little movie called Chicago...:oldrazz:

1. Are you kidding? Elfman is a middling composer at best even among film composers, and Sondheim is one of the most critically acclaimed writers of musicals ever.
2. Elfman's contributions to Chicago amounted to maybe 20 minutes of instrumental music in the movie.