Topsy-Turvy (A- or 3.5/4 stars)
After librettist William Gilbert & composer Arthur Sullivan's latest play, Princess Ida does okay with the crowds, but is critically panned, the friendly relationship btwn. the duo becomes strained in 'Topsy-Turvy', written/directed by Mike Leigh. Although their successes span a time frame of 1871-1896 (including 14 operettas, such as The Pirates of Penzance & The Gondoliers), this 160 min. film focuses on a 14 month period btwn. Jan. 1884 & March 1885 when their glory days appeared to be far behind them. The narrative is split into 2 loose parts. The 1st 60-90 min. focuses on the personal lives & lofty ambitions of G&S (Jim Broadbent, Allan Corduner). Sullivan has run out of musical ideas for Gilbert's increasingly predictable stage stories.
They are both artistically cramped/blocked and, these trials & tribulations shape the nature of their relationship. The 2nd part of the film explores the actual development of what becomes their resurgent success, The Mikado; a play whose inspiration was born solely from Gilbert when he & his wife, Lucy (the always stellar Lesley Manville), visit a Japanese restaurant. Along the way, we learn the ins & outs of the stage business, particulars of G&S's private lives (like Gilbert's marriage to Lucy), their joys, their turmoil, the actors/singers in their plays (Timothy Spall, Shirley Henderson, etc.), their friends, their foes & the process by which one of their greatest successes occurred.
I give 'Topsy-Turvy' an A- rating because, while I loved the whole of the film, there are some scenes scattered throughout the 160 min. which don't always rivet. The dialogue gets stodgy, at times. And some of the minor subplots come across as digressions. But as I said, the encapsulation of everything is just great. In the 2nd half of the film, the detailing of the play The Mikado (the process of the idea, the writing, to the casting, to the music, to the ornate sets/costumes, to the make-up, to the dance choreography, to the acting lessons, to the musical rehearsals ... it's all chronicled amazingly). But as I said, I wasn't always riveted by this process. And I actually preferred the 1st half of the film which dealt with why G&S were struggling.
Mike Leigh has made one hell of a production. Not only did he have to create a narrative structure based on real people from history & real events, but he had to highlight/embellish the personal sides of these privileged society people (somber marriage problems, creative discoveries). He had to write the scenarios, write the dialogue & express to us the inside jokes/backstage drama that ensues while making a play. In addition, Leigh had to incorporate the 4 or 5 musical numbers into The Mikado, The Sorcerer & Princess Ida to give the plot real resonance & semblance. The sumptuous Victorian England period designs & the subtle, intricate costume work is some of the best of the year. The make-up (for those in-character of The Mikado) is superb.
The Sullivan's music is wonderfully melodic. And the performances feel true-to-life; particularly Jim Broadbent (nails the over-the-top scenes, as well as quiet introspection), Allan Corduner, Eleanor David (as Sullivan's lover), & Lesley Manville (as Gilbert's very, very patient wife). From top to bottom, the cast never 'seem' to be acting; just living the characters. 'Topsy-Turvy' lovingly promotes The Arts: musical scoring, writing, casting, acting, fatigue, singing, rehearsing, dancing, injury, etc. It's insightful & detailed homage to the creative process is a delight to watch. And to see how a stage production (both then & even now) evolves behind that red curtain will be fascinating to see for those who are interested.
They are both artistically cramped/blocked and, these trials & tribulations shape the nature of their relationship. The 2nd part of the film explores the actual development of what becomes their resurgent success, The Mikado; a play whose inspiration was born solely from Gilbert when he & his wife, Lucy (the always stellar Lesley Manville), visit a Japanese restaurant. Along the way, we learn the ins & outs of the stage business, particulars of G&S's private lives (like Gilbert's marriage to Lucy), their joys, their turmoil, the actors/singers in their plays (Timothy Spall, Shirley Henderson, etc.), their friends, their foes & the process by which one of their greatest successes occurred.
I give 'Topsy-Turvy' an A- rating because, while I loved the whole of the film, there are some scenes scattered throughout the 160 min. which don't always rivet. The dialogue gets stodgy, at times. And some of the minor subplots come across as digressions. But as I said, the encapsulation of everything is just great. In the 2nd half of the film, the detailing of the play The Mikado (the process of the idea, the writing, to the casting, to the music, to the ornate sets/costumes, to the make-up, to the dance choreography, to the acting lessons, to the musical rehearsals ... it's all chronicled amazingly). But as I said, I wasn't always riveted by this process. And I actually preferred the 1st half of the film which dealt with why G&S were struggling.
Mike Leigh has made one hell of a production. Not only did he have to create a narrative structure based on real people from history & real events, but he had to highlight/embellish the personal sides of these privileged society people (somber marriage problems, creative discoveries). He had to write the scenarios, write the dialogue & express to us the inside jokes/backstage drama that ensues while making a play. In addition, Leigh had to incorporate the 4 or 5 musical numbers into The Mikado, The Sorcerer & Princess Ida to give the plot real resonance & semblance. The sumptuous Victorian England period designs & the subtle, intricate costume work is some of the best of the year. The make-up (for those in-character of The Mikado) is superb.
The Sullivan's music is wonderfully melodic. And the performances feel true-to-life; particularly Jim Broadbent (nails the over-the-top scenes, as well as quiet introspection), Allan Corduner, Eleanor David (as Sullivan's lover), & Lesley Manville (as Gilbert's very, very patient wife). From top to bottom, the cast never 'seem' to be acting; just living the characters. 'Topsy-Turvy' lovingly promotes The Arts: musical scoring, writing, casting, acting, fatigue, singing, rehearsing, dancing, injury, etc. It's insightful & detailed homage to the creative process is a delight to watch. And to see how a stage production (both then & even now) evolves behind that red curtain will be fascinating to see for those who are interested.