Director Tim Burton is a curious anomaly that continues to prick the underbelly of the Hollywood hog. With the continued support of the brightest and most talented star around, Johnny Depp, Burton has been able leave no film genre untested.

Not that he necessarily needs Depp—in fact his best picture may be the 2003 Depp-less drama Big Fish—they just happen to have the perfect symbiosis of pure talent and vision. This relationship has allowed Burton to carve his own path while pitying the foibles of other “big time” directors as they fall victim to the tinsel town monolith. This winter, Burton spins the wheel again with his newest effort Sweeney Todd, the accomplished director’s first foray into the modern musical.

Based on Steven Sondheim’s Broadway musical, Sweeney Todd is a tale of revenge as the mad barber (Sweeney Todd) slashes through patrons until he finally gets to Judge Turpin, the man who put the falsely accused Sweeney behind bars. The accumulated bodies are subsequently served to the public in the form of Mrs. Lovett’s delectably morbid meat pies. Depp does the honors here as Sweeney in this wonderful production that Burton can file away in the “eccentric genius” folder.

In Sweeney, a film seemingly designed for the director, Burton expands on his phantasmagorical dynamic created in Sleepy Hollow and creates a wonderfully visceral and nuanced viewing experience. We can see Burton’s growth as he imbues the audience’s senses by pushing the stylistic latitudes in Sweeney. Just when the audience begins to find comfort, he surprises us with brilliant contrast that is reminiscent of the enigmatic Edward Scissorhands.

The film offers a high pedigree in the acting department with the likes of Alan Rickman, Helen Bonham Carter (Burton’s real-life better half), and Depp, but the make-or-break point was to be the vocals. As it turns out, Burton’s casting could not have been more perfect and what was perceived as a possible crutch becomes a strength. The near-flawless performances exist from top to bottom even with incredible efforts from the 14-year-old Ed Sanders as Toby and the comic Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat) as the rival barber Pirelli.

Ultimately, however, it all comes down to Depp as the actor gives another Oscar-worthy performance exhibiting surprising vocal tone and range; quickly dispelling any questions in his ability. Depp becomes Sweeney and will have audiences around the world cringing at the question: ’Ow ’bout a shave?

Adam Neal is the founder of www.featurefilmreview.com. Please e-mail comments to adam(@)featurefilmreview.com.