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Now I have reason to dislike Sweeney Todd even more

From Monday's Variety...

"The achievement in makeup Oscar will go to one of seven films announced Monday by the Academy.

Big spectacles fill the list: "300," "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End." Two French-language pics were also mentioned: "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" and "La Vie en rose." Eddie Murphy's many transformations in "Norbit" round out the contenders.

The Academy's makeup branch will screen samples of the films Jan. 19 and pare the list down to three in time for the complete nominations announcement Jan. 22."

You'll notice that "Hairspray" is not on that list and that is bullshit. "Sweeney Todd"? Really? For what, the flow of blood and the white makeup on the actors? Hell, might as well nominate "Saw" and "Hostel".

Each time I watch "Hairspray" I forget that it is John Travolta in a suit. And the fact that he dances his way through the movie is not only a tribute to him, but especially the makeup effects artists who created the suit and made it durable.

Damn.

Comments

Jeff said…
Sweeney Todd is NOT a good movie. Burton can shoot a good flick, sure, and the acting is great, natch. But it's a corny, cheesy romp that aspires to be more Argento slasher than melodramatic musical. The third act is the worst, where Tim Burton unveils his inner Joel Shumacher and deviates from controlled flight.

It's not horrible like, say, Brown Bunny, but it's not better than a C+ if I'm in a good mood.

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