SWEENEY TODD
THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
Title Sequence Analysis
SYNOPSIS
In the Victorian London, the barber Benjamin Barker is married to the
gorgeous Lucy and they have a lovely child, Johanna. The beauty of Lucy
attracts the attention of the corrupt Judge Turpin, who falsely accuses the
barber of a crime that he did not commit and abuses Lucy later after gaining
custody of her. After fifteen years in exile, Benjamin returns to London under
the new identity of Sweeney Todd, seeking revenge against Turpin. He meets
the widow Mrs. Lovett who is the owner of a meat pie shop who tells him
that Lucy swallowed arsenic many years ago, and Turpin assigned himself
tutor of Johanna. He opens a barber shop above her store, initiating a crime
rampage against those who made him suffer and lose his beloved family.
TYPOGRAPHY
As the film has very much a Victorian theme edge to it, the chosen font for the title
sequence is stylish and accomplished. It is very presentable but creates a clear juxtaposition
to the main storyline, as this writing is formal but Sweeney Todd’s motives are definitely
not.
TYPOGRAPHY
There is a clear comparison in the
choice of colours from the actor’s
name’s appearances and the film title.
All the previous texts are in white and
then this is contrasted to the entrance
of the red colouring for Sweeney Todd.
This use of red develops the
connotations of importance in contrast
to the other text, and encourages the
audience’s attention throughout the
sequence.
EDITING
A pan is used throughout the sequence to enable the audience to travel to
different settings that are obviously explored in the film. The constant pan
editing suggests the leading of one thing to another in the storyline and how
there is a rhythm to Sweeney Todd’s murders which progresses him to the
next victim.
CAMERA
The close ups used on the machinery represents the chronological nature of the story and
Sweeney Todd’s murders are associated with machinery and the running of equipment.
CAMERA
The high angle shot used on the barber’s chair highlights its importance in the story, as this is
where Sweeney Todd murders his victims whilst giving them a shave. This shot could be
interpreted as seeing the situation from God’s perspective, and how what Sweeney Todd is
doing is against the 10 Commandments.
SOUND
The non-diegetic Victorian style music is played throughout which clearly
follows the theme and era. The choice of music almost presents it to be
glorifying death through the choice of a powerful and orchestral piece.
The diegetic sound of blood splattering onto the window suggests strong
connotations of death and violence, enabling the audience to understand the
storyline.
The music reaches its climax when the title of the film appears, highlighting
its importance and how the whole title sequence evolves around it.
MISE-EN-SCENE
In the beginning of the title sequence it is seen to be raining, but these droplets soon turn red
to suggest the idea of blood droplets. This portrays the idea of a massacre or a gory film to
come.
MISE-EN-SCENE
The barber shop sign is important as it suggests where the murders will take place. The colours
of the sign are also significant as white conveys innocence and red connotes danger. This could
suggest that innocent people are killed and therefore a juxtaposition is made.
MISE-EN-SCENE
A lion themed chair is also seen in the sequence. This animal imagery of a lion could suggest
Sweeney Todd’s fury and barbaric actions, like a lion in a rage. This would make sense as
Sweeney Todd is committing these murders out of revenge.
MISE-EN-SCENE
Blood is constantly flowing throughout the sequence, confirming the horror genre of the film.
This also enables the title sequence to build up to its climax. It is also clear that the blood and its
red colour is the only main colour in the sequence, so there is a clear contrast to light and dark
which could suggest Sweeney Todd’s personality in the way that he may have two sides.
TIM BURTON
The film is directed by Tim Burton, therefore it would only be right that the title sequence was
animated, something Tim is best known for. The use of animation highlights the severity of the
blood and gore and its characterization.