Sweeney updates, Dark Knight posters, and Army of Shadows

[thehefner]

So, be warned and prepared, fans of SWEENEY TODD: all of the chorus songs (including the classic opening/closing "Ballad of Sweeney Todd") have been cut from the film. The opening credits just plays the instrumental of "Ballad" and Burton had filmed all the dead characters at the end singing it, but decided that it didn't fit the tone of the ending as they'd filmed it, so perhaps expect to see that on the DVD? I don't see why we couldn't have at least had it playing over the credits, but whatever. Kinda lame.

Also, the theme I keep hearing is that Helena Bonham-Carter's voice is weak as water, but her acting is fantastic. I suppose that is the more important aspect, at least in a movie version.

So, yeah, I think it's best to be prepared for such things, as we snobs try to appreciate Burton's film for what it is. Which is, according to multiple sources, his best film since ED WOOD. I mean, in terms of substance and quality, not just fun and beautiful spectacle (SLEEPY HOLLOW has its supporters).



Hey, adaptor, we watched ARMY OF SHADOWS. Fascinating movie, if only due to how little of that world we Yanks ever really hear about. fiveseconddelay would call it a "Hefner-paced" movie, but really, without an Ennio Morricone soundtrack, it really did drag for us at times. But speaking as someone who often has serious issues with French cinema, it was a great film, but not one I shall likely be revisiting unless I need to research the era.



And finally: sometimes, Europe (the continent, not the band) sometimes gets better versions of movie posters than we do. Such is the case with THE DARK KNIGHT.

Namely, this badass one of the Joker and this one that CHUD.com observed looks like Batman has been grounded and is looking out of his window longingly.

Cannot wait to see this. Cannot wait. One way or another, Bloo, we're totally seeing this together.

Comments

[cisic.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I read the other day that the Ballad had been cut. It's disappointing to me too, because, well, "attend the tale of Sweeney Todd," see, it's kind of the whole point.

Still, anyone else up for a midnight showing, because I sure as hell am.

[thehefner.livejournal.com]

A midnight showing may well be a good idea. I'm trying to get into a sneak preview elsewhere, but if not (or if I end up loving it SO much) getting a little midnight movie action might be a good idea. If I'm willing to hazard being bleary at work on Friday morning.

[kagome654.livejournal.com]

So I guess that leaves it up to those of us in the audience to provide the vocals for much of Sweeney Todd? Cool, get me somewhat liquored up beforehand and I can do that. 'Swing your razor wide! Sweeney, hold it to the skies! Freely flows the blood of those who moralize...'

I want that Joker poster! I'm trying to have realistic expectations about this film, but it's getting to be so hard. Can it be July NOW? Please?

[thehefner.livejournal.com]

God, don't tempt me. I was barely able to keep from belting along to THE PRODUCERS when I saw it in the theater. Hi, welcome to my f-list. I'm John Hefner, I'm a straight man, but I am totally gay for musicals.

As for DARK KNIGHT, I've recently gone from "hopeful with no expectations and protective of Harvey" to "MUST SEE NOW NOW NOW!"

[kagome654.livejournal.com]

I can count the number of people I know who consider themselves musical fans on one hand and there's not a Y chromosome among them. Yay for men who like catchy tunes and dance numbers!

Oh, I forgot to mention that I picked up Batman: Year One last week. Thanks for convincing me to finally pick it up, it wasn't exactly what I expected but I really enjoyed it. The art was a treat, I wish I hadn't gone the cheap route by buying an older edition with slightly muted colours.

Edited for typos

[thehefner.livejournal.com]

One of my most prized DVDs is SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, starring Mandy Patinkin, Bernadette Peters, and a singing German Brent Spiner. Also, my favorite musical is CHESS. Also, I will sometimes burst out in Oingo Boingo song and dance here in the comic store when no one is looking.

And lately, I've been tempted to grab customers and belt "THEY ALLLLLLLLL DESERVE TO DIE! TELL YA WHY, MRS. LOVETT, TELL YA WHY!!! (the comments section alone is comedy glee, but only to comic book nerds who love SWEENEY TODD)

Oh marvelous, great! So, what were you expecting? Yeah, the art is magnificent. I so wish Mazzuchelli were still drawing comics regularly.

[mirthical.livejournal.com]

and by country, I'm sure you meant continent.

[thehefner.livejournal.com]

Totally what I said.

Really. Go check.

<.< >.>

D'oi. This is what I get for trying to jam out dual ranty LJ entries inbetween rushing around getting comics for customers.

[angrylemur.livejournal.com]

Also, the theme I keep hearing is that Helena Bonham-Carter's voice is weak as water, but her acting is fantastic.

Yes. Although it's not as bad as I was expecting - her voice, that is. Perhaps it's just that I was prepared for breathy pop-singing that would irritate the me that spent most of my childhood, adolescence, and teenagehood studying classical voice, but I was pleased. And her portrayal of Mrs. Lovett is fantastic - it ads a whole new dimension to the events that isn't there in any stage version I've seen.

I will also say that it's neat to see in film - I was disappointed that they cut the opening theme, too, but some things just work better on stage than they do in film. To their credit, they make good use of the subtleties that are easier to pull of in film than in a stage production, too, so it works both ways.

[thehefner.livejournal.com]

Wait, how much have you seen? All of it?! How when why wha?

[angrylemur.livejournal.com]

Hee hee.

I got tickets to an advance screening through the bookstore where I work.

[thehefner.livejournal.com]

Well, I can't say "you suuuuuuck" because, as a comic store employee, I often get passes to advance screenings.

Still. You *ala Dick from RULES OF ATTRACTION* suck cooooooooooock.

[torberg.livejournal.com]

Listening to the original cast recording, it makes sense that they couldn't use the closing ballad over the closing credits: it's too short of a piece to have time to display all the credits. You can't start it at the same time as the credits because it will be done too soon, and its ending is rather definitive, so it's awkward to play much else after it. Also, you can't delay the start so that it ends at the same time as the credits as it just flows right from the end of the action, so it would be awkward to put anything else before it. Probably better just to go without.

Granted, it would be cool to have a full chorus version to open the movie

[thehefner.livejournal.com]

Will you be bringing the Len Cariou version to Turkeymas for me to burn? I'd greatly appreciate it! :)

[torberg.livejournal.com]

I'll have it with me, in one form or another.

[kosher-jenny.livejournal.com]

I. Want. Those. Gloves. Or both of the posters, whatever is more obtainable.

Even though every time a new photo of the Joker is released my initial misgivings about the casting continue to dissolve a little bit more. I'm trying not to get too worked up about this film, but at the rate things are going I'm worried I might wind up going into the theater (and I'll be first in line on opening day, which is something I haven't done in years) expecting nothing short of the Best Comic Book Movie Evah.

[thehefner.livejournal.com]

I presume, then, that you've seen this image?



They really are awesome gloves, aren't they?

Between this and IRON MAN, it may be an excellent year for superhero movies.

This Is the Notification You Asked Me For

[jcsbimp.livejournal.com]

Hey, John!

If you mapquest 436 Ridge Rd., Greenbelt, MD, you'll be able to find me.
If there are difficulties, cell me at 301-655-4279. 436 is the number
on our building. Let me know what time you want to come over, too, and I'll make sure to have gotten ERASERHEAD out of storage and into the apartment. We're all the way up the stairs, #11. nursewendybird and our weekend guest Deenie will be here but will probably choose to do something in another room... I'll be taking bimpchildsue back to her Mom in Odenton around 5.

Re: This Is the Notification You Asked Me For

[thehefner.livejournal.com]

Right right right, how's around 6ish sound to you?

Re: This Is the Notification You Asked Me For

[jcsbimp.livejournal.com]

Soundz great! See you then, or as close to then as I can get home.

It'll be just you and me, pally, the gals have somewhere else they're going.

[adaptor.livejournal.com]

It was a lot more compelling in the cinema than on DVD. THe tension is much more rich and gripping on the big screen.

I don't revisit it too much, m'self. I wish he'd had the courage to alter the story more to reflect his own experiences. It felt a bit chained to the book. Ah, well. I still loved it. Some of the visuals just take my breath away (like on the shore when they're waiting for the submarine). Definitely a great movie, just not as re-watchable as Le Samourie.

[thehefner.livejournal.com]

I believe that. But on our 42" flat-screen, it ain't bad either.

God, yes, I love LE SAMOURIE. Would that it'd be more well-known. Ever seen John Woo's THE KILLER? He directly lifts some scenes in homage. Then adds slow-mo and doves. Well, maybe the doves come later.

[spacechild.livejournal.com]

See my latest post about Dark Knight. I freaked.

As for Sweeney Todd.. I am annoyed that they keep cutting stuff. rrrg.

BTW, it's going to be PACKED on Tuesday, I warn you. I'll do what I can, but know that you might not get a seat. I promise I'll try hard.

[thehefner.livejournal.com]

I keep telling you, dude. Mom will be there too, both of you waiting in line. They don't open the doors until, what, fifteen minutes before the show? That gives me 45 minutes to make it from Georgetown, and there are faster and better routes than those I've used in the past.

Be cool, pally. Enhance your calm. Don't fuzz me out on this.

[spacechild.livejournal.com]

I'm fine. I'm pretty sure I'll have a seat. You're the one who should worry. ;)