JOHNNY DEPP is terrifying his longterm partner VANESSA PARADIS by going to extreme lengths to get into his new role as Demon Barber SWEENEY TODD.
Depp starts rehearsals for the film adaptation of STEPHEN SONDHEIM's musical in London next month (JAN07), but he's preparing for the part already by slitting imaginary throats to the soundtrack of DIES IRAE (DAY OF WRATH) - the 13th century Latin Hymn traditionally used in the Roman Catholic Requiem Mass.
A source tells British newspaper the Daily Express, "Johnny is always very conscientious in his roles. Now he says he has to get into the mind set of a serial killer. He wants to feel adept with the razor blades, to feel as if they were an extension of his arm.
"But he's terrifying everyone by walking around his home booming out the song - making an arc with his arm when he slits a person's throat. "Sweeney calls his razors his 'friends' and in this song the Demon Barber pours out his love to his blades."