Review of Topsy-Turvy (1999) by Tony I — 31 May 2008
Bought it cheap on DVD and I can't stop watching it. It's what I'd call a "Contest Drama"; these two guys have to step into the arena and write and present a new opera for the London public.
If they can just make a success then that one moment will make sense of all their sacrifices and personal failures. (Like any sports movie - Rocky is a great example.) The wonderful thing about Mike Leigh's script is that yes, they have their moment in the arena and achieve the wonder and transcendence that only art can bring - but it doesn't really change or make sense of the misery and pain of their every day real lives.
It's beautiful and full of lots of music from their work.
This review of Topsy-Turvy (1999) was written by Tony I on 31 May 2008.
Topsy-Turvy has generally received very positive reviews.
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