Topsy-Turvy
by Mike Leigh
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DVD Cover Information
Director: Mike LeighPrimary Contributor: Allan Corduner
Primary Contributor: Jim Broadbent
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown)
Format: Full Screen, NTSC
Running Time: 161 unknown-units
Product features:
- Full Screen
- Languages: English Dolby Digital
- Theatrical Trailer, Cast & Crew
- TV Spots, Featurette, Photo Gallery
Movie Reviews of Topsy-Turvy
Movie Review: A glorious production
Summary: 5 Stars
A brilliant movie from Mike Leigh about fame, insecurity, and the creative process, masquerading as a bio-pic about Gilbert and Sullivan. Leigh highlights the differences between these men: Sullivan crawls from his sick bed to conduct an opening night performance, held up by coffee, alcohol, and injections, while Gilbert runs from the theatre before the performance begins, preferring to face indignities on the foul backstreets of London rather than face the audience's judgment. Sullivan is a randy devil, visiting French brothels and indulging a hedonistic lifestyle, while Gilbert appears to be celibate, never getting closer to his wife than sitting at the foot of her bed while in full evening dress. He tells her, "You must be tired. I'll leave you to your beauty sleep," and then he does just that. Sullivan longs to explore larger musical forms, and write grand opera. Gilbert is comfortable repeating the same comic formula again and again, usually involving a magical device that sets the usual social relationships on their heads: servant becomes master. Everything is topsy-turvy.
Though their operettas are very popular, the public seems to be growing a bit weary of this formula as well. Conflict arises when Sullivan can take it no longer, and refuses to write the music for Gilbert's next work. There is a rather low-key and civil argument between the men, mediated by theatre-owner D'Oyly Carte, but neither will budge. But soon Gilbert's wife drags him to a Japanese exhibit, and the experience inspires Gilbert to write The Mikado. Leigh may have taken liberties with the timing of the actual events, but it helps make the point that when creative people are forced outside of their comfort zone whole new avenues of creativity may be revealed. The conflict between thier personalities provided the energy of creation.
Leigh then shines a fascinating light on sausage being made. The Mikado comes together under strict direction by Gilbert, for whom every word and gesture are important, emphasizing that in any great performance (including the making of a movie) everything that _can_ be controlled _must_ be controlled. The cast have their personalities, foibles, shortcomings, and quirks which Leigh sometimes focuses on in passing without providing much in the way of explanation or back story. To me these omissions intrigue without cluttering the narrative, and they give a sense of the random variables that Gilbert must wrestle into shape. In the end he and Sullivan create a huge success that has remained popular for more than a century.
At the end of the story, Sullivan (Allan Corduner) is reveling in the success of The Mikado, while Gilbert (Jim Broadbent) is confessing to his wife (Lesley Manville), that he is very uncomfortable with approval and fame. She wants to connect with him and experience the success and approval that he rejects, and makes a mild plea for intimacy. "Don't go," she says as he prepares to leave. "Aren't there any more thoughts racing around in that head of yours?" She looks at him longingly. He replies, "Like what?" The camera captures her face slowly falling as her heart breaks. She recovers by suggesting an idea for his next play that involves a wife, childless and ageing, being locked away by her husband. His face reveals that he gets the point, but also that there is not much he can do about it.
If there is any doubt that the movie is about the conflicted combination of ego, talent, and drive that underlies the creation of art, it ends with Shirley Henderson on stage alone, singing "The Sun Whose Rays are All Ablaze." Her character sings about the Sun, who does not apologize for being brilliant. He simply glories all effulgent. Then there is the Moon, who shines by reflected light "...that through the night / Mankind may all acclaim her. / But truth to tell she lights up well/ so I for one don't blame her." The creator's brilliance shines through the actors, like forces of nature, which require neither explanation nor apology.
The production numbers are gems. I was mostly unfamiliar with The Mikado, but I perused the Internet to find clips of various productions. From viewing these it seems that Leigh got the tone and intent of Gilbert and Sullivan's work exactly right. Some of these productions were full of pratfalls, mugging, and unnecessary and uncoordinated choreography that distracted from the precision and brilliance of the lyrics. Some were stiff and formal and lifeless. Leigh let the words and music be heard. There is an organic quality to the movie, as all the actors sing and play their own instruments. I found myself regretting that Mike Leigh didn't set an entire production of The Mikado. It would have been spectacular. But I was very pleased to see that a blu-ray is to be released shortly, as this movie deserves to be seen and heard in its glory, all effulgent.
Summary of Topsy-Turvy
See what critics and theater audiences are raving about in the most talked-about and critically acclaimed film of the year - Topsy-Turvy! Winner of two Academy Awards, this delightful film, filled with great music and outstanding performances, was chosen by 23 film critics as one of their Top 10 Films of 1999! Tensions abound and the music swells in the story about the famous musical team of Gilbert and Sullivan. The two men, who were extremely different in size and stature, were even more different in temperament and style. Yet, they still managed to create memorable theater. This is the story of the making of one of their most famous collaborations, The Mikado.Similar DVD Movies
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