Sweeney Todd: R-Rated Movie Will Go Wide at Christmas

Word is, some clips from Sweeney Todd may emerge at the Venice Film Festival. Meanwhile, reports The Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye, Burton has been ordered to slash some of the gore from Sweeney Todd. It's normal for a movie to be cut down from its rough cut length. The question is, how happy is Burton about reducing the blood? And is this article describing a hard R-rated film that Warners and/or DreamWorks wants to cut down to a softer R?

SUNDAY UPDATE: DreamWorks has always said it was an R. Anyone who knows the show knows that it involves killing and meat pies.

MONDAY UPDATE: My sources say that the issue of cutting back the violence is "wild rumors." Neither studio has seen the whole film; it won't screen until the third week of September. But as a measure of their enthusiasm, on the basis of all that they have seen and the strength of their marketing materials, the studios have decided to release the movie wide at Christmas instead of limited at Christmas and wide in January. That suggests they expect robust holiday business. As for the violence, the movie is what it is. That's not going to be the issue.

Comments

[T.Holly]

Ahhh, someone (you) gets it. "Slash" is perfect, same with "cut down," "shorten" and "lift," anything but "trim," since it can just as easily mean lengthen, in any direction, on either side, as it can mean shorten. Same with "cutting," but I'm in a generous mood:>

[ProgGrrl]

This is a tricky situation - as this is not your average gore film. If Burton's version has added Hollywood-level special effects to the throat-slashing scenes, one wonders: will the audience who loves Johnny Depp, and/or musicals, want to see that?

[Josh]

Yes. Yes we will.

[Nicole]

As a respecter of Johnny Depp, a person comes to terms with his friendship and professional relationship with Tim Burton. One can't expect anything "passive" from Tim Burton. With some of Johnny's films, we fans might have to pick and choose which ones we're willing to watch, but we'll admire his ability to transform into character and somehow manage to get the most from that character. He is the best.

[lacie]

I LOVE johnny!! he is the coolest demon barber EVER!! haha..

[Raquel]

My friends and I love Sweeney Todd and we were greatly looking forward to seeing this movie. We go to an art school so the whole institution is big on musicals, especially this one. I'll tell you one thing, the studios will be losing money by making this an R movie.

[Sieglinde]

I still remember when "Edward Scissorhands" was "just too WEIRD" for me! Before that, I would not even permit discussions of the play, "Sweeney Todd", in my house when it came out to rave reviews! The subject literally nauseated me.

I am not a fan of gore, but the years have "unweaned" me, so to speak; witness my great disappointment that Ray Liotta did NOT get to reprise his role as Tommy Vercetti in a gore-light, Grand Theft Auto series film, which I guess, inured me to the further gore of "San Andreas"! (What DID happen to those plans anyway?)

But really, it was watching Johnny Depp's other work, esp. when combined with Burton's direction, that just hooked me (Burton had me at "Beetlejuice"!) and Johnny totally won me over in his harrowing portrayal of "cocaine Ph.D.", George Jung, from my native Mass.

It took me at least 7-8 tries to sit through "Sleepy Hollow" but now, I have no qualms about seeing Depp/Burton's latest opus, made all the more luscious by Helena Bonham-Carter's presence (thus redeeming herself for "Frankenstein"!). I doubt anyone will remember as the proper, capricious, linen-draped Lucy in Merchant-Ivory's "Room With a View" while watching this film!

And if a story involves revenge, I will watch it! I'm sure Depp's Sweeney will more than "one-up" Uma Thurman's "Beatrix Kiddo", or even Steve McQueen's "Nevada Smith"! If there was ever a dish served cold, one hankers after THIS entree!

[Areik]

I absoloutly LOVE this movie. I saw the show on Broadway and love both versions. One of my best friends, we call eachother Sweeney Todd buddies because we both love it so much, were so excited to see this movie. We made our own T-shirts and everything. Johnny Depp really brings a new life to his character. He can be and look good as Benjamin Barker, or completely evil as Sweeney Todd. All the characters have great voices. The spectial effects really went crazy with all the stuff put into the movie, but it comes out absolutely wonderful!!! I think that the movie might be losing some audiences because of the film being rated R. I've seen other movies that are more gory that are rated PG-13. I do admit though the film was rather scary, ONLY at the end, but amazing. I advise anyone and everyone to see it!

[keith]

i saw the movie, and loved it.... it disturbed me for a few hours afterwards, but no movie i've ever seen has had that sort of effect on my for that long... however phantom of the opera has inspired some very nice things for me even after seeing it a couple years ago..lol but this movie is trulyt great, and i can't wait until i can see it on stage in cincinnati..

[Megan]

For the record no One lost money making this an R Movie Fuck that. It's a Kick ass movie. Love the Gore and Loved Everything About it! The Broadway play Must suck! Movie is way better! I already saw it twice! And I just want the DVD. The Gore Makes the Movie!

[Riley :D]

I saw the movie! It was the best movie I've EVER seen. Major kudos to Johnny Depp. The gore wa great. My mom looked sick though the whole movie (hilarious). It is SO COOL how Johnny Depp can change to look so different in the moives. I wasn't sure if I would like the singing in the movie, (I never really cared for musicals) but it was actually very appealing. IF YOU DIDN'T SEE THE MOVIE YET GO SEE IT!!!!!!!!

[roxi]

loved u johnny... one of ur best films ever.

[Sweeney Todd]

Holy shit this sound like a fuck ass movie it's on my fucking list it looks so good shit!FUCKING shit so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!

[slovakia]

to je najlepsí film aký som kedy videla,,,super... sweeney todd is veeery good,,,no nie?

[Sarah]

I am not a fan of gore by any means... that being said I found this movie to be very good. Yes, there were a few part that made me cringe, whince, and close my eyess. But I was wanting to open then again right away despite myself. That is the mark of a true genius when they can make me do that. Burton was great in making this movie and Johnny Depp- OMG his acting alone is amazing but his voice! He just became my all time favorite actor ever. So yes- I loved this movie and cant wait to have it in my collection.