Review of Mr. Turner (2014) by Lee J — 06 Mar 2015

I come to this as a professional artist already influenced by Turner's effect on the history of painting and in awe of the man's capacity to transcend the limits of class and education. This telling of Turner's story is true to what I know of his character and personal courage in pursuit of his vision, and it also captures his simplicity of expression to the point of gruffness and incredible independence. I personally know little of his relations with women so I can't speak to what the movie says of that aspect of his life, but even if everything in it is true a man of his time should not be measured with the yardstick of 21st Century values.

Timothy Spall is, indeed, wonderful in a part that grants him more grunts and glances than words. He clearly has also studied the frenetic painterliness of Turner's work and gives us an insight into the incredible prodigiousness of the great painter's work.

Spall is surrounded by fine performances, as well. My one complaint would be with the portrayal of John Ruskin who, were he really so great a fop as the movie makes of him could hardly have become England's greatest art critic.