mr. turner
2015 review number 20:
Mr. Turner: (Drama): 60 out of 100: To fully appreciate this movie, you would have to be a lover of art, especially the works of British painter Joseph Turner. Even so, you would have to endure the long running time of two and a half hours which seems more like three and a half hours. If you are slightly interested or not interested at all in art, be prepared for some moments when your eyes become droopy and possibly find yourself dozing off as the movie moves along at a snail's pace.
"Mr. Turner" explores the last quarter century of J.M.W. Turner's life. Aspects of his personal life are detailed including his close relationship with his father who helps him prepare his canvases. There's also the affection of his maid for sexual relief, his trips to the seaside in disguise where he forms a relationship with his landlady and the declining health towards the end of his life. Throughout the film we also see him doing what he does best and that is to demonstrate why he was revered as a landscape painter.
The major highlight of the film is definitely the cinematography. Dick Pope has done a remarkable job in creating the lighting and colours which make many of the outdoor scenes seem like paintings themselves. He has a great chance of winning the Oscar for Best Cinematography. Another highlight is the period detail. Set in the early to mid 19th century, the attention to detail in the costumes and set design is amazing. This film is one of the prettiest to look at and admire.
The visual beauty comes at a cost. Mike Leigh wrote and directed this movie and he can be an acquired taste at times. There are numerous scenes where nothing is happening. The camera focuses on the visuals so well that the story becomes boring. It also doesn't help when there isn't a great emotional attachment with any of the characters. Although Timothy Spall acts well, he presents Turner as a grumpy, grunting and unlikeable man. Maybe he was like that in real life but if you are going to make a biopic ensure that the main character has some likeable traits. Not once did he register a smile!
"Mr. Turner" has been nominated for four Oscars and along with Best Cinematography, Costume Design and Production Design, there's also a nomination for Best Original Score. The violins are so soothing that they accompany the still scenes well. You really have trouble staying awake when the music is so relaxing. Of course it doesn't help when the movie's superfluous scenes could have been trimmed by about 40 minutes!
If you are feeling tired, don't see this movie as it might send you to sleep. For those who like Joseph Turner's paintings, you will appreciate this movie more than non-art lovers like myself. If you love a good drama then look elsewhere because there's a lack of empathy with the characters. If you love visual beauty then you will simply be dazzled by the presentation. For me, "Mr. Turner" is a mixed movie in that there's so many positives mixed with the negatives.
Starring Timothy Spall
(150 minutes)
Parental advice: Nudity, sex scenes and adult themes
Additional scene during or after credits: No
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GKlo2xWvuI (Movie trailer)
(Reviewed on Sunday 8th February, 2015)
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