Sweeney Todd (2006) (TV)

User Rating:

7.2/10   

Director:

Dave Moore

Writer:

Joshua St. Johnston (written by)

Release Date:

3 January 2006 (UK)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Horror | Thriller

Tagline:

The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Plot:

A BBC adaptation of the classic tale of the 18th century demon barber of Fleet Street, London, who cuts the throats of his unsuspecting clients in his shop. |

Plot Keywords:

London | 18th Century | Barber | Throat Slitting | Serial Killer

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Ray Winstone	...	Sweeney Todd
Essie Davis	...	Mrs Lovett
David Warner	...	Fielding
Tom Hardy	...	Matthew
David Bradley	...	Sweeney's Father
Roger Frost	...	Customer
Anthony O'Donnell	...	Gaoler
David Foxxe	...	Rector
Ben Walker	...	Tobias
Jessica Hooker	...	Polly
Paul Currier	...	Thornhill
Mircea Drambareanu	...	Mr Lovett
Gabriel Spahiu	...	Thief
Vlad Radescu	...	Sailor
Bogdan Cotlet	...	Youth

Runtime:

90 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

UK:18 (DVD rating) | Australia:MA (TV rating) | Argentina:18 | South Africa:18 | USA:TV-MA (cable rating)

Filming Locations:

MediaPro Studios, Bucharest, Romania

Company:

Box TV

Trivia:

Part of the plot involves a string of pearls. The Sweeney Todd story first appeared in a story entitled ‘The String of Pearls: A Romance’.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: In the Church scene, the Lord's Prayer is being recited. The version that is used (beginning "Our Father, who art ...." was not in use until 1928. The only version that would have been used in Todd's time is that from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, which begins "Our Father, which art ...", and differs in a number of other details.

Quotes:

Matthew Payne: There's a ring here. I could take that to his wife. See if it's his.
Sir John Fielding: Yes.
Matthew Payne: Oh, it won't give. I'll have to cut the finger off.
Sir John Fielding: I don't think his immortal soul will mind one more little division to his earthly remains.

Movie Connections:

Version of Sweeney Todd (1928)

Atmospheric and gripping period drama from the BBC

The BBC's production of "Sweeney Todd" is television magic. Beautifully produced and containing memorable performances from Ray Winstone, David Warner and Essie Davis, this is unmissable drama entertainment.

Winstone's Todd is something of a sympathetic figure rather than an out-and-out screen monster. His initial acts of kindness at the start of the film contrast sharply with his psychopathic actions later on. It's a marvellous role for Winstone and he delivers a truly believable performance in the part.

From beginning to end, this is splendid stuff and I'm curious to check out the additional footage of the "Director's Cut".

9 out of 10. The production really captures the atmosphere of Victorian London and goes to show that the BBC still has the ability to delight and astound in equal measure.