Throats slashed, heads broken and infinite opportunity to thoroughly disconcert other theatre-goers with maniacal laughter during the most disturbing scenes – that makes for a good night at the movies.
That’s twice now that Kevin Smith movies have popped unbidden into my head while watching completely different flicks this week. Some years ago I went to see Jersey Girl with a young lady I’ve mentioned in the past. During that movie, there’s a scene where the precocious little brat of the title gets all of her Dad’s burly friends to put on a talent show representation of the song “God, That’s Good” from Sweeney Todd. My friend leaned over and told me that we had to see Sweeney Todd. How could I not love a girl like that? We did, eventually, get to see the show in Philly and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Likewise the film. It’s a little slow at times – there’s really not much of a story there to sustain two hours or so of play or film – but the music’s good, the plot is macabre, the characters are worthy of simultaneous revulsion and pity. And in the film there’s the extra-added bonus of seeing Sweeney’s hideous world fully realized and being able to comprehend every deliciously twisted lyric of every delightfully demented tune.
I’ll have to digest the viewing for a bit and see if I add it to the year’s finest movies. Even if it doesn’t make it to that rarefied plateau I am sure I’ll be happy to see it again.