Depp is starring in one of the most anticipated films of the season, and that's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, the Stephen Sondheim musical that's finally getting the lavish on-screen treatment it's due. At the helm is frequent Depp collaborator Tim Burton; and if you've ever been lucky enough to catch the musical, you'll know that Burton is perfect to direct the dark and twisted tale of Sweeney Todd (Depp), "the demon barber of Fleet Street," who, with the help of his landlady (Helena Bonham Carter), kills people and bakes them into scrumptious meat pies. It's sort of like Waitress except with killing, crazier hair ... and singing!
There's been a ton of Oscar talk around the movie, Depp, Burton and Bonham Carter, and now's your chance to interrogate both Depp and Burton for yourself. Hit Captain Jack and, uh, Mr. Burton with whatever you're dying to know, then check back the week of December 17 to see if your question made it on the air.
To submit a question, you can leave it here in the comments, or you can text one to AskCelebs@aol.com (brought to you by Verizon Wireless). Please provide your first name and your city and state, and if you're looking for inspiration, then take a look at some of our past Unscripted interviews here. Good luck!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 60)
12-03-2007 @ 3:00PM
Cynthia Palm said...
This question is for Johnny. As an amateur actress, I would be very uncomfortable singing in a role, even if I was assured that my voice was good. How did you work through the self-consciousness of singing so as not to let it interfere with your overall performance?
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12-10-2007 @ 2:58PM
JoJo said...
Actually Johnny Depp has had a ton of roles singing (Cry Baby, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, etc) so I don't think his role in Sweeney Todd would be a huge deal for him.
12-03-2007 @ 10:40PM
Zoe said...
for Tim Burton; What kind of dreams do you have at night?
12-03-2007 @ 11:16PM
Ron Lipski said...
He was in a band before becoming an actor. They opened for Iggy Pop! Lucky bastards!
12-04-2007 @ 6:44AM
Jennifer Hanson said...
This question is for both Mr. Depp and Mr. Burton. You have both done many, many films throughout the years. Where do you find continued inspiration for your different characters, sets, etc? Everything you two have done has been so unique and wonderful, it takes real creative minds to pull all this off!
12-04-2007 @ 11:01AM
karmenu said...
why should the voice interfere with your performace? shouldn't an actor be professional in whatever goes on on-stage? or am I wrong?
12-03-2007 @ 3:09PM
MCW said...
To Burton or Depp:
"Why are the main characters in your movies always so pale, and/or sickly looking?" (Charlie & The..., Edward Scissorhands, and now Sweeney Todd).
- Submitted by Matthew, of Denver, N.C.
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12-04-2007 @ 2:59AM
Amber said...
They aren't sickly they are just avoidant of the sun. Willy Wonka locked himself in a factory. Edward spent most his time in the attic while he lived there. Every scene at the manison took place in the attic for him.
12-07-2007 @ 1:17AM
Tina said...
It's just part of the "gothic" style he has.
12-03-2007 @ 3:13PM
Talena said...
Tim, how was it turning 133 recently, after working with Johnny for 10 decades?
Ok, only kidding-- If you could leave everyone with only one piece of advice or statement concerning anything, what would it be?
-Talena, Los Angeles CA
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12-03-2007 @ 3:17PM
Carson said...
Dear Mr. Burton and Mr. Depp,
Many believe that there is no saying so frightening as "originality is dead". Maybe you'll sympathize. The cinema has tackled a myriad of settings, cultures, and stories over the years, from Troy to Blade Runner. Do you ever concern yourselves that you might lack truly newfangled and revolutionary material? And when projects begin, both from the actors' and the directors' perspective, how do you avoid borrowing from previous models and archetypes and erect something truly innovative? Thank you both for gracing the arts with such powerful work.
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12-03-2007 @ 3:21PM
Caitlin said...
Okay, my question for you both is: Why do you think you two work so well together? and I have another question for Johnny: Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
(My city and state: Endwell, NY)
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12-03-2007 @ 3:25PM
Emily said...
This one's a question for Johnny: what was your process for "becoming" Sweeney Todd? What was your source of inspiration for playing a homicidal barber?
-Emily (Mesa, Arizona)
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12-03-2007 @ 3:40PM
J said...
What fascinates you about indian culture?
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12-03-2007 @ 3:49PM
Laura said...
Watching the preview clips of Sweeney Todd, I was struck by a possible parallel to Edward Scissorhands, i.e. Sweeney as the antithesis of Edward (demonic and gifted vs demonised and gifted). I'm thinking especially of the idea that Sweeney's razors are an extension of his arm and it seemed most apparent during the clip of My Friends when Sweeney strikes a very Edward-esque balletic pose.
Is this comparison something you had in mind while making the movie?
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12-03-2007 @ 8:50PM
Laura said...
Watching the preview clips of Sweeney Todd, I was struck by a possible parallel to Edward Scissorhands, i.e. Sweeney as the antithesis of Edward (demonic and gifted vs demonised and gifted). I'm thinking especially of the idea that Sweeney's razors are an extension of his arm and it seemed most apparent during the clip of My Friends when Sweeney strikes a very Edward-esque balletic pose.
Is this comparison something you had in mind while making the movie?
p.s. This question was from Laura in Glasgow, Scotland
12-03-2007 @ 11:00PM
Holliema said...
Good question, Laura! I love it when actors/directors visiti a similar theme but with a different angle… ex: Monty Python and the Holy Grail to Terri Gilliam and The Fisher King..
12-03-2007 @ 4:02PM
Camila said...
Hello Johnny and Tim. I'm from Chile, so my english is not so good. But I'll try.
Johnny: What was the most difficult part of play Sweeney? And the part you most like it?
By the way i think you sing so cool, I really can't wait to see the movie and listen you
Camila
ps: When are you going to visit Chile or Latin America? We deserv meet you, Johnny.
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12-03-2007 @ 4:18PM
karla said...
JOHNNY AND TIM.. Would you ever consider working with Britney Spears in a movie?
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12-03-2007 @ 4:21PM
Sarah Orr said...
For Mr. Burton: Do you prefer making animated or live-action films? Have you any plans of making more animated movies?
For Johnny: What is your favorite type of character to play? Psychotic (Sweeney Todd), shy (Ichabod Crane), quirky (Willy Wonka), obnoxious (Jack Sparrow), etc. Which type is easiest for you?
- Sarah O.
Los Alamos, NM
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