Pirelli is arguably Baron Cohen's first foray into the dramatic. An outlandish rival to Sweeney Todd, he at first seems to fit in with the rest of Baron Cohen's comedic roles with his appearance and drawn-out musical number; however, it's not until the "Italian" reveals himself as Sweeney Todd's former apprentice Daniel O'Higgins and tries to blackmail Todd that Baron Cohen's dramatic potential is revealed. Baron Cohen's ability to disappear into character is also on full display during the film, as he's well-known for "going undercover" with characters like Borat and Brüno, and Daniel is essentially undercover as Pirelli.