Review 333: Mr. Turner
The film is a look at the last quarter of the painter J. M. W. Turner's (Timothy Spall) life. Profoundly affected by his fathers Williams Turner (Paul Jesson) death and loved by his housekeeper, Hannah Danby (Dorothy Atkinson) whom he takes for granted and often exploits sexually, he also forms a close relationship with a seaside landlady, Sophia Booth (Marion Bailey) with whom he eventually moves to Chelsea.
Throughout the film, Turner travels, paints, stays with the country aristocracy, visits brothels, becomes a popular if anarchic member of the Royal Academy of Arts, has himself strapped to the mast of a ship so that he can paint a snowstorm and is equally celebrated and humiliated by the the public and royalty.
The plot is a masterpiece, prior to seeing this film I wasn't at all aware of some of the antics that had gone on in J. M. W. Turner's life, in fact many people weren't aware of Mr Turner's personal life, we knew the painter and his work that was certain but we had know idea that there was some messiness in his life. Lots of people, especially art lovers in general are going to find some of this drama shocking and believe me I understand if you have. But all together it adds to a captivating and at times moving portrait of a legendary painter.
Now J. M. W. Turner was a craftsman, a true artist, a genius who created all these wonderful paintings such as Modern Rome - Campo Vaccino or Drawing of St John's Church. Though he was a compulsive man, he was an exceptional and laid his mark-quite literally on the world of Art. It shows that even geniuses can be obsessive characters and that their obsessive behaviour is what makes them a genius in the first place. And Turner was just that he was a compulsive artist, he had to paint, had to draw all the time, he just wouldn't, if he saw something that looked like it was worthy of draw he would paint it, nothing, absolutely nothing would stop him. As a result this makes him someone I relate to since I can never stop writing my film reviews-even though I can tell you I'm more restrained than Turner. Great artist make great masterpieces but that doesn't necessarily mean they're the easiest people to get along with - look a Peter Sellers.
Writer/Director Mike Leigh's direction is splendid and precise, the cinematography is lush and gorgeous (they way some of the scenes are lensed makes the scenery looks as if it was actually a painted can-verse and not filmed on location). The production design is marvellous and expertly captures the beauty of the early 1800's, the costumes are fabulous, the score by Gary Yershon is wonderful, the make up is rich and beautifully detailed, the scenery is breathtaking, the locations are staggering and the ending was heartbreaking.
The acting is superb, Timothy Spall absolutely owns the role of J. M. W. Turner, he captures his pasion, he captures his compulsiveness, he captured his gruffness, he truly makes him believable onscreen. In fact most of the time it felt like mostly a one man show with a bunch of side characters due to Spall's gripping performance.
Marion Bailey is very strong as Sophia Booth, Turner's second partner, the first few times he starts visiting her inn, she's fond of him, but when she discovers his true identity she still loves him and stays by his side till the very end and brought out the hidden tenderness in him.
Paul Jesson is extremely effective as William Turner Sr, J. M. W. Turner father, he was the one who Turner leaned most one.
Dorothy Atkinson is sensitive, she works very hard for Mr Turner and in return he abuses her and uses her for sexual purposes and Atkinson portrays that expertly both in her body language and facial expressions.
Mike Leigh's Mr. Turner is a work of art, 5/5.
The Anonymous Critic.
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