“Mr. Turner” (12A) Directed by: Mike Leigh.
Starring: Timothy Spall, Paul Jesson, Dorothy Atkinson, Marion Bailey, Karl Johnson and Ruth Sheen.
Rated: ‘12A’ for containing moderate sex and sex references.
Running time: 150 minutes.
Released in UK cinemas from the 31st of October, 2014.
Perhaps best known for his televised exploits, Mike Leigh has a unique talent for directing, and has continued to showcase his British talent throughout his career of film directing, including such films as “Another Year” (2010) and “Happy-Go-Lucky” (2008), two of his most well-received pieces. Now, Leigh has turned his gaze towards the silver screen once again, in “Mr. Turner”, a biopic of one of Britain’s greatest painters, who despite his own personal problems, had a unique gift to share with the world.
Focussing upon the last quarter-century of Turner’s life, this revealing drama explores the events during his life which affected him most deeply, including the death of his beloved father, the mistreatment of his housekeeper, and the close relationship which is formed between himself and a landlady who lives by the sea, in Chelsea. But despite his universal acclaim and travels throughout the country, Turner wasn’t exactly an ideal role model, as we are also guided through his sexual exploits, but shown his profound talent, through his membership of the Royal Academy of Arts.
It may not shy away from the most upsetting of scenes between the people he loved the most, but Leigh’s undeniably ambitious film shows the talent of perhaps Britain’s most revered artist, but also dares to influence or change the public’s perception of him, by shedding information upon his long bouts of depression and the side of Turner which is ultimately shocking. But it’s here in which the drama all comes together, as the real hero of this certain award-winning piece is Spall, providing the performance of his career.
This is undoubtedly Spall’s finest hour, performing through a wide range of snorts, grunts and occasionally indescribable dialogue, but he carries this entire production firmly upon his shoulders, dealing with the most demanding of scenes perfectly, and ultimately triumphing above many of the best lead performances from cinema this year.
Without the supporting cast however, “Mr. Turner” would have been a spectacular one-man show, but the inclusion of many cast members as Turner’s nearest and dearest, present tender, well paced performances from many of Leigh’s regular contributors to the art of cinema. Specifically the performances of Atkinson, Bailey and Savage, who are all delightfully equipped with the style and accents of Great Britain within the 1800’s. The supporting cast often prove to be the most enticing of characters, specifically the character of Benjamin Haydon, a financially troubled artist who was eventually brought to the depths of suicide, but is ultimately one of the most humorous characters, yet essentially tragic.
Along with the film’s wonderful performances, Leigh contributes masterful direction and writing to a film which not only entertains through its rich script, but also its style of guidance in relation to the film’s beautiful shots of wide landscapes which Turner is seen to be painting. The film’s cinematography by Dick Pope is perhaps a worthy rival to the expert cinematography of Roger Deakins (a fellow Brit), and helps to bring alive the most important paintings and scenes from within Turner’s life with seamless ease. Along with the talented individuals from behind the camera, the score by Gary Yershon helps to reveal the emotions felt by many of the characters, and accompanies various silent scenes perfectly, exacting a melancholic feel to Turner, in his more acceptable state.
Verdict
One of the year’s true greats, Leigh has directed a character driven masterpiece, featuring captivating performances from Spall and his fellow cast members. It’s a stroke of genius.
8 Stars out of 10
Written by Scott Gentry.
Film/TV Rating Key
1-2 stars out of ten = Awful.
3-4 stars out of ten = Average.
5-6 stars out of ten = Good.
7-8 stars out of ten = Excellent.
9-10 stars out of ten = Amazing.
Trailer
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