Mr. Turner #FilmReview #BriFri
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Mr. Turner describes the last 25 years of the life of painter J.M.W. Turner
Mr. Turner is a biopic of the painter J.M.W. Turner who lived and painted during the first half of the 1800s. He traveled widely in Europe and Great Britain, painting landscapes and seascapes with beautiful light, many displaying an abstraction that looks quite modern.
There’s not much of a plot to pull you through this film — it’s more a series of vignettes, sometimes spaced several years apart. Not all of the characters are particularly likable, especially the title character, although he has his moments. Rick has less need of a plot and likable characters than I do, so this was a better natural fit for him. But, in the end, I liked it, too. The scenery was superb and to see that beauty reflected in the paintings made viewing the film a visual treat.
We kind of over-did paintings when we were in Paris in 2013, so last year in London we avoided art, for the most part. After seeing this film, we definitely want to see the Turner paintings in the Tate and at the National Gallery on our next trip to London.
Have you seen this film? What did you think? Are you familiar with the artwork of J.M.W. Turner?
Kate Fox has recently updated her book “Watching the English”, I’m planning to pick up a copy of the new edition.
Thanks! I’ve been thinking about that book recently — mostly because I didn’t have this blog yet when I read it. A new edition will be more fun than a re-read.
I enjoyed the movie although you’re right, he wasn’t the most likable man in the world. So crude! I really enjoyed seeing his process though and like most films about great artists it left me inspired, wishing I had that painterly talent. It was nominated for a few Oscars wasn’t it, including cinematography and costume design? I know you can rent it on Amazon; I’m going to suggest it to my son! Thanks for the reminder.
I am not familiar with the artist or the movie. I will look him up. It is fun in the UK to go to the museums because for the most part they are free!
I do love Turner’s work and how he is able to show a passing moment of light and water. There was a wonderful temporary exhibition, ‘Turner and the Sea’, at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich in December 2013. I seem to remember that some paintings were loaned from an art gallery in New York (but don’t take this as gospel).