January 20, 2008

SWEENEY!

First, before anything else, I had a wonderful birthday yesterday and I thank all of you who wished me well! Dotes got me a gorgeous 3-D card and a simply wonderful painting of a green garden. It’s done in ceramic, like a big tile, and it’s stunning. It’s hung in the bedroom, and I love it. :)

Okay, on to Sweeney:

I feel so much better now. Months of anticipation. Listening to the original Broadway recording over and over again. Deep, ugly jealousy just knowing others had already seen Sweeney, while I had to sit on my heels and wait. Finally, I saw it. Uh, I mean we saw it.

I loved, loved, loved it. Not to say I didn’t have some quibbles (cough: helena bonham-carter’s voice) but mostly it was thrilling and wonderful and yes, I missed my chorus of ghosts and happy meat-pie customers, but mostly I was simply thrilled. The moment the score began on those big speakers, I actually shivered.

I didn’t even sing. Not out loud, at least. But I did mouth every syllable except for dialog that was not on the original cast CD, and in my head I was singing quite loudly. On the ride home I bored Dotes to the point of tears with my second-by-second analysis (I couldn’t help myself). I thought Depp did a masterful job. Truly awesome. I would have made some different musical decisions (alas, although I was at the ready to talk to Mr. Burton before and during the filming, he didn’t call) it was true enough to the original show that I was transported.

The minute we got home, I not only listened to the CD, but this time I did sing, quite loudly, and only then was I able to relax for the evening.

I have to admit that perhaps the truest mark of my admiration for the film is the fact that I didn’t finish my popcorn. Whoa.

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1. Jess says:
   

   Belated happy birthday!!

   I haven’t seen it. I had a nightmare starring Depp’s Sweeney character and I admit, I’m not a fan of a serial killer as a protagonist. *shrug* But I’m glad everyone else seems to like it. :D

   January 23rd, 2008 at 11:52 am
2. Willa says:
   

   Missed this post – distracted by the gorgeous baby piccy! *grin*

   Glad you enjoyed the film – looks really good, they are promoting it like crazy over here at the moment. Have seen so many clips I feel like I may have seen the film already! Hoping to go soon. . . .

   Oh, and may I have your popcorn please? Lol!

   January 28th, 2008 at 3:48 am