See it at the Movies

MR. TURNER

Joyce and Don Fowler
Posted 3/26/15

* * *

(Long, disjointed

artist biography)

Timothy Spall gives a marvelous performance as J.M.W. Turner, the eccentric 19th century English landscape artist.

The opening scene sets the …

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See it at the Movies

MR. TURNER

Posted

* * *

(Long, disjointed

artist biography)

Timothy Spall gives a marvelous performance as J.M.W. Turner, the eccentric 19th century English landscape artist.

The opening scene sets the tone for the too-long movie (two and a half hours) that is told in vignettes, with long, drawn out scenes that at times seem disjointed. A few liberties are taken with the real life story of the pompous, unattractive, grumpy, lecherous man, whose response to most questions and situations is an annoying clearing of the throat.

The movie suggests that he was married and living apart from his wife and children, spending much of his time with a widow who adores him. God knows why! Historians tell us that he was unmarried but had fathered two daughters who he abandoned.

The strong pluses for the film revolve around the attention to detail given to life in England in the early 1800s. Clothing, household items, hairstyles, commerce and especially art are shown in all their glorious color.

Mr. Turner walks along the seashore with his small sketchbook, capturing the beauty of nature and transferring it to his canvas. He lives with his father and devoted maid, whom he abuses. Dorothy Atkinson is fascinating to watch as she shuffles around the house, meeting Turner’s every need, from a cup of tea to a crude sexual gratification. She doesn’t say much, but her face and body language speak volumes.

We learn about the artistic community and the wealthy people who support them. We get a taste of the culture. And we get a strong dose of Mr. Turner’s eccentricities. A shorter look would have been much easier to digest.

Rated R, with some sex. 

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