Based on the musical by Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and Hugh Wheeler (book), first performed on 1979, in turn based on a play (1973) by Christopher Bond; the main characters were drawn from an urban legend which took shape in several literary (and semi-literary, if you care to make the distinction) works dating back at least to the late 17th century.
The lyrics are inspired. The songs aren't melodic, but that, I have heard, is Sondheim's style. The cinematography is a shifting monochrome, interesting and creative, and the production design is very good. The plot is a conventional tragedy in the classic manner -- not very exciting or innovative. Old tragedy rules recommending restraint in the exhibition of violence and gore are gleefully disrespected.
Rating: 55
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