Revenge the Central Theme in Sweeney Todd

One of the most powerful themes in literature and in film is that of revenge. It's an extremely powerful emotion that is quite different from the usual themes love, companionship, hatred and honor. If a vengeance theme is well done, it can provide a strong foundation for a movie or story.

One of my favorite books of all time is The Count of Monte Cristo which I first read when I was in the eighth grade. Once I read the book, I was fascinated and intrigued by the story and the plot development. One of my favorite scenes from the book, which has subsequently been made into a movie, was when the Count left one of his accusers turned banker penniless after ruining him. And it wasn't until afterward that he revealed who he really was.

A similar theme is portrayed in the new Tim Burton Movie, Sweeney Todd. Johnny Depp stars in the film in which a man is unjustly sent to prison losing everything including his family. When he returns, he vows revenge on all that have wronged him. Sweeney Todd becomes the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Helena Bonham Carter and Alan Rickman also star in this film. For more information about this new movie, visit the official Sweeney Todd movie site.