Music Review: Sweeney Todd Soundtrack
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that Sweeney Todd's story is one of
revenge, jealousy, and murder -- and those dark undertones play
out in every song. Although it's not explicit (such as the
movie which is for older teens), it can be scary for little
ones.
Families can talk about actors singing in movies. Do you think
they should also be trained singers before they sing on the
soundtrack? Or, does the lack of training make it sound more
realistic -- and in turn, more interesting? Families can also
talk about forgiveness. Benjamin Barker (Sweeney Todd) doesn't
forgive his past imprisonment and exacts revenge on a whole
town. Why is it important to forgive? What happens when we
carry around anger? Is it easy to forgive?
The SWEENEY TODD SOUNDTRACK, adopted from the movie, is enjoyable, if not dark. The showtime-style music generally tells the movie's entire sad and heartbreaking story of revenge, but it's probably more exciting to see Tim Burton's movie first to get the full effect of the plot's cinematic beauty. The songs are performed by the movie's actors who essentially had no formal musical training, which adds an interesting element in bringing the characters to life -- and making the music more realistic.
Johnny Depp's alto voice fits the role of the demonic barber to a tee, and the voices of Helena Bonham Carter (although she sounds like she hasn't done much singing before) and Alan Rickman add to the appeal of the dark, moody, sweeping orchestral sounds of the music.
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