not sure about timothy spall - his englishness is off-putting to me
but mike leigh more than compensates - another year (2010) - classic
almost universal positive reviews for this film tips it into the viewing list
besides - boxing day and hence energy levels barely registering - off we go
surprising - full house in the (small) theatre on a sunny summer afternoon
a good sign - there has to be a buzz about this film already on opening day
the film begins with a panoramic of a rural canal and 2 ambling women
they converse in a foreign language - huh - confusing - expecting england
but then panning to our man turner (spall) thumb-nailing the pastoral scenery
credits roll and done with such class the anticipation starts simmering nicely
then it's back in london as turner returns from his trip abroad to the continent
striking scenes of cobblestone streets and the attention to detail very obvious
a grunting, detached turner barely acknowledging his father and housemaid
turner senior then seen at the local art supply store buying paint for his son
a mention that some of the colours coming from as far away as afghanistan
this is england in the mid 19th century and daily life looking quite civilised
a visit from turner's ex-wife and daughter confirming his boorish nature
barely making conversation and completely impervious to her many insults
he's not good with women - seen also having a grope with his hapless maid
she clearly besotted with the man but grunting disdain the best he offers her
though a moment of humanity when he watches his father take his last breath
any doubts about timothy spall in this role now obliterated - he fully owns it
and thinking - the advantage of a bio-pic of a character from that long ago
no multi-media record to reference so the actor has free licence to explore
and spall seems to be loving the opportunity to play a total prig of a man
though there does seem to be peer respect as he shows up at art galleries
one preparing for a major exhibition of works of many painters of his era
the names are dropped as he moves around - john constable in particular
and surely most of the art seen fleetingly now famous and valuable pieces
there are great scenes also of turner in various rural settings being inspired
steam from a train, clouds, a ship under tow, escarpments all then painted
and with it a growing reputation and like/dislike of his maritime interests
frequent and long trips to the country to find the required tranquility
travelling under an assumed name (mallard) to remain anonymous
even to a landlady he seduces and then sets up in a house in chelsea
it is here that he then spends most of his remaining days as mr brook
the loyal and lovesick maid accidently discovering his alter-life - sad
it's a very long film - 150 minutes of it - but it's style is very engaging
the outdoor scenes are consistently meticulous and authentic looking
a great art history lesson also particularly for the likes of this neophyte
and what incredible acting - timothy spall - splendid - take a bow
or at least a palm d'or prize for best actor at cannes this year
totally deserved too - methinks oscars will be following
if not for timothy spall then certainly for mike leigh
exquisite film - would happily see it again too...
