The Tale of Sweeney Todd

Satisfaction with The Shaven Jeweler is directly proportional to the willingness to accept that it is a small TV movie with an obviously limited budget. The screenplay is certainly not at the top of the genre, but John Schlesinger is an experienced and quality director who, even after falling out of favor with major studios, has not forgotten his craft, so the film has decent camera work and can convincingly portray the atmosphere of dirty Victorian streets. The film is a combination of elements borrowed from the stories of E.A. Poe and Charles Dickens. It is a historical detective story with a horror arrangement that will not offend, although it will not surprise and exhilarate an experienced viewer. Ben Kingsley delivers a traditionally reliable performance. Overall impression: 60%. (15/07/2008)