It's what superior biopics do: bring to life the geniuses of our civilization.
Mr. Turner
Grade: A
Director: Mike Leigh (Secrets and Lies)
Screenplay: Leigh
Cast: Timothy Spall (Topsy-Turvy)
Rating: R
Runtime: 150 min.
by John DeSando
“The Sun is God.” JMW Turner (Timothy Spall)
These are the last words of the great 19th century British Romantic painter, J.M.W. Turner. Writer/director Mike Leigh has brilliantly captured that sentiment, ironic or not, in each moment of Mr. Turner’s short 150 minutes. Sun and light inform each frame to reveal Turner’s fascination with the big landscapes and stormy seas infused with the infinite variations of that light. Yet even in the parlors of aristocrats or his seaside retreat, Leigh reminds us of what Turner with the help of light sees that we don’t.
Leigh concentrates on Turner’s last years, approximately from the late 1820’s to 1851, a time when he jockeyed with the best artists of his day for the public’s notice and when the Industrial Revolution was changing everything. Most artists, even Turner, were consumed with their own artistry, fought among themselves like children, and recognized Turner for his genius. As played by Timothy Spall, he’s phlegmatic, surly, and almost piggish, at least in the way he makes love and snorts every other breath.
That snorting, like the light, expresses Turner’s affinity for nature, which he then romanticizes in his paintings. While I never get enough insight into the inspiration of genius in these artist-biopics, Leigh peppers the narrative enough with Turner’s quiet, reflective viewing of nature to satisfy my curiosity.
The film shows also Turner’s appreciation of humanity as well, from charming prostitute to sickly servant to wealthy lord and fishmongers. At times Leigh lets Turner be mostly observer, throwing him among the distractions of city life and effectively losing him there. When Turner emerges, Leigh gives us the sense that nothing is lost on this genius; humanity will out in his painting.
When a disgruntled artist asks, “What is wrong with being a portrait painter,” the haughty response is “What does it do to elevate the art?”
Mike Leigh has elevated the art of film into the premiere spot among the arts—truly the most influential art form in the history of civilization. Mr. Turner is art and artist in all their lovely mess.
John DeSando, a Los Angeles Press Club first-place winner for National Entertainment Journalism, hosts WCBE’s It’s Movie Time and co-hosts Cinema Classics. Contact him at JDeSando@Columbus.rr.com
