Johnny Depp takes on the role of Sweeny Todd in Tim Burton's new musical
What is it with Johnny Depp and Victorian Era serial killers? Six years ago he played London police detective Frederick Abberline in "From Hell," a violent conspiracy theory-driven whodunnit about the 1888 murder spree of Jack the Ripper. And now in his new musical, Sweeny Todd, he plays the title role of a man unjustly sent to prison who vows revenge - not only for cruel punishment by the judge, but for the devastating consequences of what happened to his wife and daughter. When he returns to reopen his barber shop, Sweeney Todd becomes the Demon Barber of Fleet Street - who's clients begin to disappear.
Helena Bonham Carter plays the strange Mrs. Lovett - Sweeney's amorous accomplice. The cast also includes Sacha Baron Cohen - who plays the role of the flamboyant rival barber. Alan Rickman (from the Harry Potter films) portrays the evil Judge, who sends Sweeney to prison.
When asked what he thought about playing such a dark, passionate figure, Johnny said, "I love the character. He's super complex because there's a whole lot going on there. Fifty-one percent of the people say he's a madman and 49 percent say he's the original victim in the plot."
What does Johnny think?
"I belive he's a victim," he said. "I believe he's a tragic figure."
Sweeney Todd opens everywhere on December 21st.
