Tim Burton chat
I recorded a 25-minute chat yesterday afternoon with Sweeney Todd director Tim Burton. Affable guy, easy to talk to, knows his stuff. Saying it once more -- Sweeney Todd is an art film extraordinaire and Burton's finest since Beetlejuice. (Even with the blood.) Anybody who has a chance to catch a digital presentation of Sweeney Todd, please do this -- it's the only way to go.
Tim Burton -- 1.5.08, 9:15 pm
I took this shot at a small party for Burton and the Sweeney Todd producers last night at S Bar, on Vine Street south of Hollywood Blvd. Not too crowded, great Lemon Drop martinis. It was raining cats and dogs outside.
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Posted by Jeffrey Wells on January 5, 2008 at 2:34 PM
comment #1
lawnorder
says ...
Burton's film is genius. The performances are gold, the music is amazing and Darius Wolski's cinematography spellbinds. Bring on the gore. This is the first Tim Burton film I can say that I really, truly loved. The first Batman had its moments and I did enjoy Sleepy Hollow, but Sweeney is his masterpiece. Every frame is permeated with Burton's signature style and, for once, even the story keeps your interest. I hope it gets some strong Oscar love.
Posted by lawnorder
at January 5, 2008 3:25 PM
comment #2
siowafc
says ...
My love for this film is only detracted by the so-so story that seemed choppy and uneven in tone, and the lack of any character depth (save Mrs. Lovett). Bonham Carter was great, and Depp brought what he needed (but not much more) to the role. On an artistic level, however, it's perfect. Everything hits the right notes. But to say the film as a whole is as perfect is a bit of an overstatement. Solid 3/3.5 star effort though.
Posted by siowafc
at January 5, 2008 3:43 PM
comment #3
rocco
says ...
All the passion and craftsmanship that goes into making the world's great spirits drinkable straight, and you choose the alcoholic equivalent of 'Alvin and the Chipmunks'...
Posted by rocco
at January 5, 2008 4:13 PM
comment #4
Rich S.
says ...
I notice Tim isn't smiling in that shot. He must have read some of your earlier critiques of his work.
Sweeney Todd is terrific, and one of the most uncompromising mainstream movies ever made. I think Depp may be a surprising dark horse come Oscar time.
Posted by Rich S.
at January 5, 2008 4:47 PM
comment #5
erniesouchak
says ...
Why digital?
Posted by erniesouchak
at January 5, 2008 5:01 PM
comment #6
Morpho!
says ...
"Why digital?"
Because Jeff thinks that will magically keep the 'exit' lights from shining on the screen. Or the bulb from being too dim. Or the focus from being out.
It won't.
Posted by Morpho!
at January 5, 2008 7:30 PM
comment #7
John Y
says ...
I saw "Sweeney Todd" at the Clarity Screening Room in Beverly Hills, where it was projected digitally, and the digital projection nearly ruined the movie. Straight lines looked jagged, text appeared pixelated, and the movie had a strange green hue that I'm sure wasn't intended.
I think digital projection will NEVER look as good as a pristine film print. It'll be a sad day when all the movie theaters make the switch.
Posted by John Y
at January 5, 2008 11:47 PM
comment #8
tophertilson
says ...
That's strange that you say that, John Y. I used to think that UNTIL I saw Sweeney Todd digitally projected. It was the first time I saw a digital presentation where I didn't notice the technology. The images seemed appropriately warm and romantic. The colors were gorgeous. It wasn't until I saw a blurry, sound-distorted regular print of it that I discovered how much the digital presentation brought to the film.
Maybe I'm just getting inured to digital? God, I hope not.
Posted by tophertilson
at January 6, 2008 6:56 AM