Richard Corliss of TIME MAGAZINE spared no superlatives in praising Tim Burton’s film SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET: “This adaptation [. . .] is both faithful and liberating. The story, of a bitter man in 19th century London who has lost his wife and child and determines to carve out his revenge, has never seemed so human or so bleak,” writes Corliss. “[B]eneath Sondheim’s cold-steel lyrics, Burton finds a pulsing, mournful heart.”

The character of Sweeney Todd is “a romantic tragic figure,” notes Corliss, and those qualities are enhanced by the casting of Johnny Depp as Sweeney: “The director assured some measure of audience sympathy for Sweeney by handing the role to Depp, a magnificent star at the apogee of his powers. Depp’s voice may be on the reedy side, but he’s a true singing actor, making every note as persuasive as his words and gestures.” Corliss concludes his review by urging his readers to “give SWEENEY TODD a try” because “it’s bloody great.”

The Zone thanks dramaced for sharing the TIME review; you can read it on the Porch message board. –Part-Time Poet