Review of Topsy-Turvy (1999) by Jordan T — 17 Jun 2009

Far more than a film, this is a veritable window into Victorian England, the theater, and of course, the ever-rocky relationship between geniuses of comedy W.S. Gilbert, and Sir Arthur Sullivan. This film perfectly captures the magic of the theater, in every facet, from contract negotiations, to actor gossip, to blocking rehearsals, through the prism of two of the greatest men ever to write for the stage writing and producing their masterpiece.

But it is also so much more. It is about the bombastic egos of the time, and the idle relationships, misogyny, and hidden pain they are party to. I have never seen a film this truthful to the past pulled off with such incredible performances, utmost grace, and consummate wit.