Mr. Turner Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A grumpy painter grunts his way through life, occasionally making pretty pictures and upsetting the Queen.

🍿 Mr. Turner: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

The film opens with J.M.W. Turner already an established artist. He is deeply influenced by his father, William Turner Sr., who also serves as his assistant. This section highlights Turner’s unique artistic perspective, his dedication to capturing light and atmosphere, and his initial forays into landscape painting. We see Turner’s early travels and exhibitions, establishing his reputation among the artistic community. It lays the groundwork for his eccentric personality and unconventional approach to art.

Relationships and Personal Life

Mr. Turner’s personal life is complex, marked by unconventional relationships. He maintains a close bond with his housekeeper, Hannah Danby, whom he often takes advantage of sexually. At the same time, he forms a meaningful connection with Sophia Booth, a seaside landlady, later living with her incognito. These relationships offer insight into Turner’s character: his vulnerability, his dependence on others, and his inability to fully commit emotionally. His disregard for his estranged wife and daughters further underscores his complicated personal life.

Artistic Eccentricities and Public Reception

Turner is portrayed as an eccentric figure, often defying convention and challenging artistic norms. He is shown being strapped to the mast of a ship to paint a snowstorm, visiting brothels, and engaging in unconventional painting techniques like spitting on the canvas. His work is both celebrated and reviled by the public and by royalty. This section emphasizes Turner’s commitment to his artistic vision, his willingness to push boundaries, and the mixed reception he received from critics and the public alike. It highlights his evolving style and his influence on the art world.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• JMW Turner (Timothy Spall): A great and eccentric British painter navigating the later years of his life, marked by unconventional behavior and artistic brilliance.
• William Turner Snr (Paul Jesson): Turner’s devoted father and assistant, playing a pivotal role in his son’s life and career.
• Hannah Danby (Dorothy Atkinson): Turner’s long-suffering housekeeper, who is taken for granted, sexually exploited and plagued by a disfiguring skin disease.
• Sophia Booth (Marion Bailey): A seaside landlady who develops a close relationship with Turner, eventually becoming his lover and companion.
• Mr Booth (Karl Johnson): Sophia Booth’s husband.
• Benjamin Robert Haydon (Martin Savage): Turner’s friend and fellow painter who is always struggling financially and seeks Turner’s assistance.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• J.M.W. Turner: “The sun is God! Ha ha ha!” – Turner’s last words, expressing his lifelong fascination with light and its divine connection.

💰Box Office

• Budget: £8,200,000
• Domestic Gross: $3,958,500
• Worldwide Gross: $22,179,785

💥 Mr. Turner Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Mr. Turner. Timothy Spall was phenomenal; his portrayal of the artist was so nuanced and believable. I particularly enjoyed the scenes where he was painting, you could really feel his passion. The cinematography was breathtaking, it felt like stepping into a Turner painting. A must-see for anyone who appreciates art and great acting.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Art enthusiasts”
  • “Those interested in biographical films”
  • “Admirers of Timothy Spall’s acting”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief scenes of a sexual nature”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Some coarse language”
  • “Depiction of illness and death”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “Mike Leigh delivers a fascinating portrait of J.M.W. Turner, capturing the artist’s eccentricities and brilliance. Timothy Spall’s performance is masterful, bringing depth and complexity to this unconventional biopic. The film’s visual beauty is undeniable, making it a captivating experience.
• Sight & Sound: “A visual feast, Mr. Turner showcases Dick Pope’s stunning cinematography. Leigh’s unflinching approach presents a raw and intimate view of Turner’s life, exploring the dichotomy between the artist’s personal life and his artistic vision. The ensemble cast shines, adding layers to this complex and engaging film.
• The Telegraph: “Mr. Turner is a triumph of British cinema. Timothy Spall delivers a career-defining performance, embodying Turner’s spirit with unparalleled nuance. Mike Leigh’s direction is superb, crafting a rich and immersive world that transports viewers to 19th-century England. A must-see for art lovers and cinephiles alike.

Audience Reactions

The beautiful cinematography that felt like a moving painting.: Viewers appreciated the visual beauty and the realistic portrayal of the artist’s life.

Timothy Spall’s incredible performance and commitment to the role.: Audiences were impressed by the depth and authenticity of Spall’s acting.

Overall Consensus: Mr. Turner is a visually stunning and well-acted biopic that provides a nuanced and engaging portrait of the famous artist. However, some found the pacing slow and the narrative lacking.

Awards

1. Cannes Film Festival (Best Actor)- 2014

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Timothy Spall spent almost two years learning how to paint in preparation for his role as J.M.W. Turner.”
• “Mike Leigh is known for his improvisational style, developing scenes through rehearsals without a fixed script.”

🖥️ How to Watch Mr. Turner?

Mr. Turner is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for purchase or rental on services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Availability may vary depending on your region, so check your local listings for the most up-to-date information. Consider checking JustWatch to see where the movie is currently streaming in your area.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Mr. Turner, you might like these similar films:

• Topsy-Turvy (1999): Another Mike Leigh period piece exploring the lives of artists, in this case Gilbert and Sullivan.
• Lust for Life (1956): A classic biographical drama about Vincent van Gogh, portraying the passion and torment of a great artist.
• The Agony and the Ecstasy (1965): Charlton Heston portrays Michelangelo during the painting of the Sistine Chapel ceiling, capturing the artist’s struggle and genius.
• At Eternity’s Gate (2018): Willem Dafoe delivers a powerful performance as Vincent van Gogh in this exploration of the artist’s later life and mental state.

🛒 Mr. Turner Related Products

• J.M.W. Turner: The Complete Paintings: A comprehensive collection of Turner’s paintings, showcasing his evolution and mastery. Perfect for diving deeper into his art.
• Turner: Painting Set: A high-quality painting set designed to capture the style and techniques of Turner. Includes paints, brushes, and canvases.
• Mr. Turner [Blu-ray]: Own the critically acclaimed movie on Blu-ray to revisit the beautiful cinematography and powerful performances.
• J.M.W. Turner Inspired Art Prints: High-quality art prints of Turner’s famous paintings. Decorate your space with his iconic landscapes.

🎧 Soundtrack

Mr. Turner features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Dido’s Lament (from opera Dido and Aeneas)” – performed by Henry Purcell, Sung by Timothy Spall
• “Original Score Highlights” – performed by Gary Yershon

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Timothy Spall on playing JMW Turner in Mr. Turner | Film4 Interview Special

Ever wondered how Timothy Spall transformed himself into JMW Turner? This interview gives you the inside scoop on his preparation for the role – it’s amazing to hear about his dedication to the character!

What is Romanticism?

Want to understand the art movement that shaped J.M.W. Turner’s work? This video breaks down Romanticism in a simple way, and suddenly, the movie makes so much more sense! I never realized how much it influenced art.

Kermode Uncut: My Top Ten Timothy Spall Films

Curious about Timothy Spall’s best roles outside of Mr. Turner? Mark Kermode shares his top picks, and it’s a great way to appreciate his versatility as an actor! I was surprised to see some of the films he chose.

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