Sweeney Todd, 2006

Straightforward dramatic rendering of the 18th-century legend. Winstone shows his impressive acting chops, portraying Todd as a complex man of deep emotions, both touchingly tender and ruthlessly vicious, driven to offing his customers as his "killgrief." There's much more to the story here than you get in the Sondheim/Burton version. It's definitely got the BBC dodgy-budget look, but despite the lack of a glossy production it's still quite well-done in all respects. Realistic depiction of 17th-century London, with emphasis on the barber's secondary role as physician/surgeon. David Warner turns in a solid performance as the blind magistrate, and David Bradley, who plays Filch in the Harry Potter series, is excellent as Todd's father. The film has its gruesome moments, but is really a touching psychological drama. Quite good, actually. I was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful score, too.

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