Hollywood heavyweights Johnny Depp and Christian Bale star in this classic gangster flick based on the life an adventures of notorious bank robber, John Dillinger.
Set in post depression Chicago of 1933, the movie directed by Michael Mann is reminiscent of other great crime movies like 'The Untouchables' and 'Bonny and Clyde'. The background music, the sets and vintage automobiles transport the viewer to the 30s era.
The screenplay is a classic cat and mouse game between Dillinger, played marvellously by Depp and FBI agent Melvin Pervis, played by Bale.
Depp fits the role of Dillinger perfectly, a character unlike any other he has played before. Depp's Dillinger is a slick haired, fast talking, romantic gangster, giving the American legal system a slip at every opportunity.
Bale plays the ruthless Pervis, brought in by Hoover to stop the scourge of robberies and bloodshed caused by Dillinger. The chemistry between Bale and Depp in one scene they share is memorable.
The violence is graphic and realistic, as with all classic gangster flicks.With hardly a dull moment, this movie is a must see for for all fans of the rat-tat-tat genre.
'There's nothing more reliable than a man whose loyalty can be bought for hard cash'
This is one of my favorite lines from this movie. Yes, Ninth Gate is almost a decade old,but it was new to me. Director extraordinaire, Roman Polanski joins forces with the one and only Johnny Depp in this supernatural thriller.
A book dealer(Depp) without a conscience is enticed into taking on a task of finding three copies of an enigmatic book and then to validate their authenticity. This book, titled the Ninth Gate is rumored to summon Lucifer.
Little does the dealer realize the magnitude of his undertaking. His endeavor takes him to Spain and leads him into a bizarre world of murder, twisted Satanic rituals and mysterious women and finally to the inevitable truth.
I was a trifle disappointed, considering the genius that Polanski is known for. Nevertheless, worth watching on the small screen. Depp adds enough of his magic touch to make the movie worth watching.
'Many are called, but few are chosen.' This movie gives this statement a whole new meaning.
I finally got to see this flick last Friday. This movie is a masterpiece in many ways. The genius of Tim Burton comes through in his dark and morbid sets, and smooth transitions from scene to scene. The faint hearted, those who are petrified by murder and those repulsed by the sight of crimson red or Cannibalism and those that like happy endings are warned. This movie is NOT for you.
The music of the movie is haunting and sticks with you for a while. The movie is gripping from start to finish, give or take a few annoying moments which feature a love sick teen singing "I feel you Joanna..". This was the only member of the cast that stood out like a sore thumb.
The performances from Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp are spectacular. (Yes, in that order).
The movie can best be described as Broadway musical/slasher flick/ dark comedy.It is a tale of love, revenge and betrayal. An innocent barber(Depp), is on a trail of bloody revenge after a cruel judge(Alan Rickman) destroys his family. The barber forges an unholy alliance with a Mrs. Lovett, ably portrayed by Helena Bonham Carter. Together the two unleash a vicious scheme of bloody revenge. The twist at the end will simply lead you breathless.
Depp continues to choose offbeat roles and thrive on producing great performances in each of them. These include Edward Scissorhands, his roles in the Pirates flicks and the forgotten, yet memorable 'Secret Window'. Combining with Burton yet again, he has produced a winner. In Sweeney Todd, Depp displays even more versatility with his singing.
Helena Bonham Carter provides excellent support for Depp. In many scenes I would argue that she even surpasses Depp. She portrays Mrs. Lovett, an epitome of pure evil. While Todd is motivated by vengeance, Lovett seeks to keep Todd twisted around her finger and hatch diabolical schemes to suit her selfish whims.
The supporting cast includes Alan Rickman, the memorable villain from the Robin Hood and Die Hard movies, and Sasha Cohen of Borat fame who also present great performances. Then there is the judge's sleazy rodent-like assistant who provides another great performance. This is as close to perfection that a movie can attain. I expect Sweeney Todd to make a clean sweep at the Globes and the Oscars.
So where does Burton go from here? Personally I'd like to see him make Macbeth for the big screen and even reuse the same pair Depp and Carter for the roles of the protagonists Macbeth, and Lady Macbeth. The story and the script are tailor made for Burton as they feature witches brew, magic and ghosts. Depp would make a great Macbeth. I can picture Helena Bonham Carter doing the Lady Macbeth soliloquy.
The storybook scenes and sets in Sweeney Todd reminded me of two other great movies, Sin City and 300. However, the elegant Broadway touch Burton puts into Sweeney Todd places this movie one step beyond both Sin City and 300.
This is a psychological thriller in the truest sense of the word. It is an adaptation from a book by the king of horror, Stephen King. It stars Johnny Depp, one of the most versatile actors ever. Director David Koepp must be given a lot of credit for transcribing this one from book to screen. John Turturro makes a brief but high impact appearance. The Plot: A reclusive writer (Depp) who lives in a small town is finishing off divorce formalities with his wife. A mysterious stranger(Turturro) appears at his doorstep accusing the writer of stealing his work. The stranger even produces a manuscript that is identical to the manuscript created by the writer. A chilling tale, outstanding stars and a great director: What else can one expect as the result of all these ingredients? Don’t miss this one if you like to be scared,shocked and surprized.
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