Category one: Music.

Music is a very powerful tool for creating an atmosphere, and is used effectively in this short two minute opening. As I mentioned in one of my earlier posts, the majority of Sweeney Todd's sound track relies on the organ. Organ music has very dramatic connotations, having been associated with churches: predominantly funerals and masses. Being a film with a protagonist who is a serial killer, reminding the audience of funerals is very appropriate.

Because there is no dialogue in this opening, the scene relies largely on music. There are small sections where digetic sound is used, such as the wind sound effects in the background, but aside from this the main focus is the music. The music does well in creating tension and release. A good example of this is when the music builds up at the beginning when the logo is on screen, and then dies down to the string section playing a fast moving tune, creating a feeling of anticipation, making the viewer wonder what is about to happen.

Even before the organ music happens, there is a drum roll that creates forward momentum, giving the beginning organ theme the drive to be interesting. Because the flute is a high pitched and haunting instrument, this is also used to fit the atmosphere-- making it sinister and creepy.

The opening to Edward Scissorhands, also a Burton film, has a similar feeling behind it. There is no dialogue, and the sound is entirely reliant on the music. The music in Edward Scissorhands, just like in Sweeney Todd, is orchestral and elaborate. This time the organ is replaced with a choir, giving it a less sinister feel, and more of a dreamy feel.

Because Sweeney Todd is a musical (with brilliant music and lyrics by Steven Sondheim), even the background music has a lot of thought behind it. The orchestration is expertly done, fitting the setting incredibly well. Throughout the entire film, music of a similar feel adds another texture to the film, and the opening is no exception.