Sweeney Todd was a fictional character first appearing in penny dreadfuls in 1846. The “Demon Barber of Fleet Street” has seen several incarnations since then, from Stephen Sondheim to most recently Tim Burton’s film adaptation of the musical. The character even transcended fiction and is now an urban legend; while there is no historical account for this barbarous barber, a few spurious claims have led many to assume the story is based on true events akin to Jack the Ripper. His voice, propensity for severe shaves, and long-pig pies will “grace” the halls of Mars Hill | Lake City this Friday October 17 at 7pm.

This story’s longevity it’s focus on depravity raise some interesting questions, as the character is sinned against and abused by others. Is Sweeney wrong to want justice? Is violent retribution ever an answer, and why do our souls cry out against evil but so often beget evil in response? Power, sanity, greed, and institutional corruption in the film expose the human condition and make us take a hard look at the human creature, contrast so oddly by the fact that it’s set to music and has a lyrical quality that creates a cavalier, unsettling juxtaposition. From Edward Scissorhands to Batman Returns, director Tim Burton has always explored this odd duality in our nature. The film is rated R for violence and the content, albeit very theatrical and surreal, may disturb some viewers. All are welcome to explore this tension with us Friday conscience and stomach allow. You can also explore other film reviews – audio and written – at our sister website, Cinemagogue.