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Of course, the actors are also essential "props" in the building of the deliciously dark mood of the film. Johnny Depp, who is to Burton what Leonardo DiCaprio is to Scorsese, builds on the "glam-goth eccentric" he has become synonymous with. He can also sing pretty well, which is more than can be said for several of the other leads (Bonham-Carter, though a fantastic actress, is not particularly dynamic as a singer). Other acting highlights include Sacha "Borat" Cohen as a faux-Italian wannabe barber, and Rickman as the merciless Judge Turpin (Rickman sports the trademark emotionless cadence of his most iconic recent role: Severus Snape).

Sacha Baron Cohen as the braggart Italian barber Pirelli

Even though it is a musical and its characters do frequently break into song, Sweeney's songs are not all that compelling in and of themselves. I haven't seen the stage version, but I suspect the musical telling of this story is first and foremost meant to be ironic. As characters belt out kitschy melodies that are full of life and hope, our expectations are shattered by the pervasive and morbid misanthropy that is the rest of the movie. For example, a cheerful ballad like "Pretty Women" (a harmonious duet between Depp and Rickman) is juxtaposed with some of the film's most barbarous images, and the sunny "By the Sea" is an unsettling dream sequence bookended by misery and violence. Sweeney invokes movie musical conventions in a way similar to the recent Disney musical Enchanted: not so much to immerse the audience in a whimsical world of song and dance, but to point out the absurdity of spontaneously singing in world so mired in cynicism.

As entertaining, ironic, and stylish as Todd is, however, it's a film that never quite mines the big questions it raises. Depp's Todd is a striking character in that he inspires nearly no empathy or understanding in the audience. Sure, Todd's wife and child were taken from him and he was wrongly imprisoned. That's rough, but in no way explains or justifies his brutal slaying of countless unshaven men. The film touches on Dostoevskian notions of playing God and purging the world of its lowlife rabble, and at times Todd seems framed as something of a proletariat hero, exacting class reparations by night and knife. "The history of the world is those below serving those above," quips a Marxist-sounding Todd at one point in the film.

Alan Rickman as the evil Judge Turpin

Even more interesting than these class issues, however, is the film's uncertain (perhaps intentionally muddled) commentary on justice and judgment. It is repeatedly asserted in the film that everyone is guilty (all men have fallen short) and that we all deserve to die (the wages of sin is death). But there is no redemption or making right of this situation. It's a ruthless cycle in which our best intentions and pure-minded hopes are always stifled by our depraved, animalistic instincts. In the cynically social-Darwinist world of the film in which man routinely exploits, tromps upon and destroys one another, it is poetic justice that man is (quite literally) devouring one another courtesy of Todd and Lovett.

Sweeney Todd is well-made, well-acted, and admittedly a little bit fun (especially if a comically dour view of humanity tickles your funny bone). But if you're looking for a feel-good, life-affirming musical this holiday season, I might suggest renting Once instead.

Talk About It

1. Is there anything redeeming in the character of Sweeney Todd? Are we meant to sympathize with him?
2. What does the film have to say about class inequality?
3. There is a lot about judgment in this film—about justice, retribution, and punishment. Do any of the characters show mercy? Is the film making any comments on justice or judgment in our contemporary world?

The Family Corner

Sweeney Todd is rated R for graphic bloody violence. Though a musical and released for the holidays, it's definitely NOT a film for the whole family. As a story about a homicidal, razor-wielding psychopath, the graphic violence is perhaps essential—though be forewarned: it is very bloody. There are more throat-slittings here than in any slasher movie you've ever seen. And if watching a man shave makes you nervous, this film will be utterly traumatic.

Photos © Copyright Dreamworks Pictures

© Brett McCracken subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

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