Review of Mr. Turner (2014) by Richard B — 03 Nov 2014

Turning in his grave?

The most eccentric and overlong film bio imaginable, one wonders how much of Timothy Spall's grotesque, self proclaimed gargoyle is the actual Turner. Any film that goes for 2 and a half hours with zero story - plot, what's a plot? and yet you sit there staring, well, it's an accomplishment of sorts. You learn a lot about Turner, that's sure, but not in the conventional way. It's just like one of his paintings - very impressionistic.

This film has already been greeted like the dire King's Speech, all gushy lovey dahling, mumbo jumbo. But Spall appals from the balcony to the stalls and you just can't stop watching him girn, groan and grunt. Mike Leigh's screenplay is as shapeless as his clothes (Turner's and the director's). The film is beautifuly crafted and shot.

I'd like to say I loved it, but I din't despite being brilliant in spots. It did not look like any period piece I've ever seen - it looked strangely real, like it was shot in the 19th Century. Highlights - the John Ruskin gooseberry scene, tying Spall to the mast, the homecoming with 'Daddy', and all the women whop let Spall grope them and more.

One of a kind - and thank God. If I were Turner, I'd want to kill Mike Leigh.