Cast: Johnny Depp, Helen Bonham Carter, Tim Burton, Eva Green, Michelle Pfiefer
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 2.5/5
Classy, creepy and 'draggy'
'How can we ever not enjoy a movie coming from Johnny Depp and Tim Burton?’ would be the thought when we head to see Dark Shadows. But it's time we change that thought.
Dark Shadows is the 2012 flavour by Tim Burton and Johnny Depp. Posing their earlier masterpieces like Sweeny Tood, Sleepy Hollow and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in mind, Dark Shadows is a letdown. Though the movie is given a Sweeny Todd and Sleepy Hollow feel, it doesn't match the perfection.
Dark Shadows is the adaption of the 60's/70's television series of the same name. But not to worry; you are not required to see the 1200 episodes to understand the movie.
The story is leapt from the 17th century to the 20th century with a flawless narration by Barnabas Collins (Johnny Depp) himself about his cursed life. He speaks about his love for Rosette (Bella Heathcote) and his physical relation with the maid-witch Angelique (Eva Green). He also explains about the vengeance she craves after changing him to an immortal blood sucking vampire and about burying him alive. All are told in the most precise and the most convincing manner.
The flow is smooth even after the 200 years when Barnabis is returned after spending his eternity inside the iron coffin. Thanks to the distinguished screenplay. But probably they could have offered a more fascinating script to keep the movie lovers intact.
The impeccable sets of Collinwood and the costumes give us no room to find a fault in the execution of the movie. However, the fun element fades as the movie proceeds and gradually looses the audience attention. Never the less, the open ended closing of the movie hints us a part 2 might be in progress very soon.
Johnny Depp's perfect execution of Barnabas and Eva green as the seductive Angelique are without doubt, gripping. But they are not just enough as the ingredients of a perfect enjoyment piece. Helena Bonham Carter, is not really exploited. The movie takes you through a boring ride frequently.
The one who needs another special mention is Danny Elfman. He has done it again with his magical score.
Dark Shadows, with an ensemble cast like Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Eva Green and Michelle Pfiefer, is not really another path breaking movie from Tim. However, making a 1200 episodic series into a 100 min movie is not a joke.
Johnny Depp lovers are sure to have a merry time admiring him. So if you are his fan, do catch this movie this weekend !!!