Cannes 2014 Review: ‘Mr. Turner’

The story of a British landscape painter may sound about as riveting as watching the paint dry on one of his 19th Century masterpieces. But not so with Mike Leigh’s Mr. Turner – a beautiful and engaging portrait of an unrefined artistic genius.

Documenting the last 25 years of J.M.W. Turner’s life, we begin in Holland, where Turner is painting a windmill and its associated vista. This opening scene tells us everything we need to know about him: this is not a refined man but his brilliance is beyond compare. The scene is so stunning, you’re not actually sure if you’re look at a painting or reality.

From here we are introduced to Turner’s life and the influences on his work. Turner is obsessed with light as he works from his home studio in London, where masterpieces grace his in-home showroom. Although publicly revered, he continues to strive for the recognition of his peers. His all-consuming passion has blinded Turner to those closest to him who support his genius. He uses his love-stuck housemaid for sex, he neglects his ex-mistress and their two children, and even his father (who he clearly cares about) is reduced to running errands and purchasing supplies.

For all his faults, Turner yearns for someone to care ‘for him’ – not for the artist everyone sees. Eventually he finds that love with a landlady in Margate – one of his favourite places to visit, because of the light. He goes there incognito, so she falls for the man who rents her room, not the great J.M.W. Turner.

Timothy Spall is remarkable as Turner. In a career graced with outstanding performances, this could well be his finest. He grunts and shuffles around – his grunting taking on a language of it own – yet, somehow, Spall’s Turner is intriguing, charming and even loveable – in his own unique way. The supporting cast should take credit too as they give strong performances for Spall to bounce off.

Leigh is again on fine form. What could have been a routine biopic is instead an intimate character study, with a remarkable visual style – a masterpiece in itself that perfectly complements the story and the man.

Mr. Turner is a triumph. For me, an unexpected favourite from Cannes – one I hope you get to discover too.

9/10

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