Mr. Turner is a well-done biography of the painter J. M. W. Turner which manages to convey who he was without falling into the traps besetting many biopics. It benefits from excellent direction by Mike Leigh and great performances by Timothy Spall and Paul Jesson.
The film has an interesting structure, eschewing a conventional plot in favor of an impressionistic exploration of Turner's life. Mr. Turner ignores the painter's early years of struggle, choosing instead to start at middle age, when he had already achieved success. This structure allows an exploration of various aspects of his life and work, rather than a rote narrative of his life. Although it may try the patience of some, it rewards those who stick with it.
Mr. Turner's unique approach is buttressed by excellent performances from Spall and Jesson. Spall embodies Turner, conveying the man's passion and talent while also showing his flaws. Paul Jesson also does well as Turner's father, making us care about a character we know little about.
Another good point of the film is the way that it captures the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. It does so not only through excellent costumes and set design, but also through oblique references to the issues and culture of the day. It throws in references to the debate over slavery, the question of how women should be educated, even the entertainment of the times.
The film does suffer at times from a failure to give proper background about some of the supporting characters. For example, does Turner have a close relationship with his housekeeper, or does he just sexually harass her? Furthermore, she appears to have some sort of skin disease at one point, but this is not elaborated on. Still, the film is well worth watching and will make you want to learn more about Turner.
The film has an interesting structure, eschewing a conventional plot in favor of an impressionistic exploration of Turner's life. Mr. Turner ignores the painter's early years of struggle, choosing instead to start at middle age, when he had already achieved success. This structure allows an exploration of various aspects of his life and work, rather than a rote narrative of his life. Although it may try the patience of some, it rewards those who stick with it.
Mr. Turner's unique approach is buttressed by excellent performances from Spall and Jesson. Spall embodies Turner, conveying the man's passion and talent while also showing his flaws. Paul Jesson also does well as Turner's father, making us care about a character we know little about.
Another good point of the film is the way that it captures the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. It does so not only through excellent costumes and set design, but also through oblique references to the issues and culture of the day. It throws in references to the debate over slavery, the question of how women should be educated, even the entertainment of the times.
The film does suffer at times from a failure to give proper background about some of the supporting characters. For example, does Turner have a close relationship with his housekeeper, or does he just sexually harass her? Furthermore, she appears to have some sort of skin disease at one point, but this is not elaborated on. Still, the film is well worth watching and will make you want to learn more about Turner.