
Eccentric British painter J.M.W. Turner lives his last 25 years with gusto and secretly becomes involved with a seaside landlady, while his faithful housekeeper bears an unrequited love for him.
Release Date: 10/31/2014
Runtime: 150 minutes
Languages: English
Director: Mike Leigh
0Revenue: $22.2M
Companies: Film4 Productions, Focus Features, BFI, Diaphana Films, Amusement Park Films, Xofa Productions, France 3 Cinéma, Lipsync Productions, Thin Man Films
Countries: France, Germany, United Kingdom, United States of America
Peter McGinn
The story of this artist reminds me of a book I read many years ago, which described the lives of classical composers such as Mozart. It seems they were often like rock or film stars of more modern times. They lived life large and invited scandal. Mr. Turner describes a similar character. He lives how he wants and except for awkward moments with ex-lovers and his trail of children left behind, her gets away with it. As one interviewer noted, Timothy Spall grunts his way through this film, though as usual, his performance is much more layered than that throwaway phrase describes. Lesley Manville is excellent, as always and Dorothy Atkinson is stunning in her complex yet minimalistic portayal. As with more Mike Leigh films, it features a wonderful ensemble cast. I think the finest British actors line up to play in his films the way it often happens when directors are on a role, such as Woody Allen in his prime years in this country. The plot has depth, though some of the commentary about the artists of the time feels rather obscure to me now. I knew when I first watched it that I would need to see it again, and I am glad I did as it added to my comprehension and appreciation. However, unlike several of Mike Leigh’s masterpieces, I will not want to watch it again beyond that required second viewing. The artistry is there, but the drama and tension of my favorite Leigh films is more lacking. Still a worthy addition to his collection, though.

Timothy Spall
JMW Turner

Dorothy Atkinson
Hannah Danby

Marion Bailey
Sophia Booth

Paul Jesson
William Turner Snr

Lesley Manville
Mary Somerville

Martin Savage
Benjamin Robert Haydon

Ruth Sheen
Sarah Danby

David Horovitch
Dr Price

Karl Johnson
Mr. Booth

Peter Wight
Joseph Gillot

Joshua McGuire
John Ruskin

Stuart McQuarrie
Ruskin's Father
2000