Sweeney Todd is a master of his craft, learnt whilst serving 20 years for a murder his father committed. Once on the outside; he excels in his trade as a barber and gains an enviable reputation with customers of all classes. Slowly cracks appear in his professional demeanour and the murders begin..
PROS
A superb performance from Ray Winstone as the demon barber, solid script and well supported by the main characters. Expertly played as a tragic man, Todd comes across as a very complex character; abused and neglected as a child and constantly manipulated by his drunkard murderer of a father. Yet striving for acceptance from his peers, his few acquaintances and surprisingly; his father.
For what could have become a by the numbers period BBC production, Winstone's performance lifts his character, and the simple story to Lecter 'esque levels of screen infamy. Expect some 'Best Actor' BAFTA nominations for this work. The photography is very good, using a superb palette and masterful use of lighting, both artificial and natural. Convincing VFX and competent audio cap a classy production.
CONS: Marred by somewhat dubious casting for the minor roles, and notably the younger members of the cast. If only the younger actors were of Winstone's calibre.
PROS
A superb performance from Ray Winstone as the demon barber, solid script and well supported by the main characters. Expertly played as a tragic man, Todd comes across as a very complex character; abused and neglected as a child and constantly manipulated by his drunkard murderer of a father. Yet striving for acceptance from his peers, his few acquaintances and surprisingly; his father.
For what could have become a by the numbers period BBC production, Winstone's performance lifts his character, and the simple story to Lecter 'esque levels of screen infamy. Expect some 'Best Actor' BAFTA nominations for this work. The photography is very good, using a superb palette and masterful use of lighting, both artificial and natural. Convincing VFX and competent audio cap a classy production.
CONS: Marred by somewhat dubious casting for the minor roles, and notably the younger members of the cast. If only the younger actors were of Winstone's calibre.