In 2007, cinephiles of the time witnessed the release of the Tim Burton-helmed Johnny Depp starrer, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. A theatre musical of the same name, created by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler (which in itself was centered around the premise of a 1970 play titled Sweeney Todd written by playwright Christopher Bond) became the basis of inspiration for Burton’s cinematic endeavor.
The film reaped a favorable reception amongst critics and audiences. It saw Depp embody the titular character, alongside Helena Bonham Carter’s iteration of Mrs. Lovett and Alan Rickman’s portrayal of the antagonistic Judge Turpin. The narrative of the film necessitated Bonham Carter’s deuteragonist lusting over Sweeney Todd. What is interesting though is the actress, back then, was committed to now ex-partner Tim Burton—the director of the film.
It was later stated by the Ocean’s 8 star at a European press conference for the 2007 movie as to whether or not this seemingly complex dynamic led to any potentially uncomfortable situations during production. As it turned out, the reality of the situation was quite different. At the same event, Johnny Depp was asked about his experiences of having partaken in a musical production and how he dealt with the task of having to sing.
Johnny Depp On Working In The Tim Burton-directed Musical Film
During the European press conference for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, IGN questioned the team involved in the production about their experiences and opinions on the Burton-helmed musical narrative. The leading actor, when requested for his thoughts on the undertaking, responded that while he had previously been in a musical, he didn’t necessarily have to sing. Therefore, the 2007 film, which initially seemed a daunting affair, marked the point in Depp’s career where he was urged to sing for the first time.
Tim Burton, he claimed, happened to be the only one with the guts to allow Johnny Depp to attempt singing.
Here’s how he recalled it:
“I actually did do a musical many years ago with John Waters called Cry-Baby, but technically it was only half me – it wasn’t me singing. Tim’s the only person brave enough to actually let me try to sing. It was the first time I’d ever sung – I’d never even sung in the shower, I’m too mortified. But once I got over the initial fear it was kind of enjoyable. Sondheim’s melodies and lyrics are a real pleasure to tromp around in, it’s really beautiful stuff. Would I ever do it again? No, I doubt it.”
A lot of people praised the actor’s portrayal of Sweeney Todd after the movie’s release, so his efforts must have paid off. Additionally, it must be mentioned that the film enjoys an approval rating of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes. Therefore, despite claiming to have never sung before, the Hollywood star managed to carry forward the musical narrative seamlessly. In another interview, Depp voiced his appreciation for Burton, who put a lot of faith in the actor’s skills. The renowned animator wholeheartedly trusted the Edward Scissorhands alum with the challenge of having to sing, even though the latter was frightened of having to go through the process.
From this, we can conclude that the filmmaker’s assistance and support allowed Depp to successfully flesh out his character in the spooky and ghoulish musical slasher.
Helena Bonham Carter Did Not Worry About Having To Romance Johnny Depp
During the event, IGN asked Helena Bonham Carter, who embodies the deuteragonist in Tim Burton’s film, whether or not it was easier to get the role with her then-partner helming the endeavor. To this, the actress stated the following:
“It was probably harder. I mean he told me: ‘You look right for it but we have no idea if you can sing.’ So I thought: ‘Well, I’ll try and learn’ and did singing lessons, but you know I had to be righter than right. I wouldn’t want people saying I got a role in his film just because I slept with him.”
The implications of the query were put to rest with the actress’ straightforward reply. The Fight Club alum was then urged to disclose her experience of having to “lust after” Johnny Depp in front of Tim Burton; whether it was awkward or not. To this, Bonham Carter stated that the situation, albeit possessing a level of strangeness to it, was not particularly nerve-wracking or worrisome—which makes sense, considering it’s a professional pursuit that should not have the potential to meddle with what’s personal.
Following is what she said on the matter:
“Not really… maybe it (having to swoon over Johnny Depp’s character) should have been? No… The fact I was being paid by my boyfriend to romance his best friend – it was I guess a strange situation but no I didn’t worry about it.”
Therefore, the actress did not necessarily feel uncomfortable over having to “lust after” Depp’s character. Despite the complicated, unusual nature of the on-set dynamic, it wasn’t a burdensome venture at all. Both the leading stars, with their proficiency and prowess, were able to bring Tim Burton’s off-putting and sinister premise to life, without letting personal affairs obstruct the production of the film.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is available via renting and purchasing on Prime Video.
Source: IGN
