Discuss Topsy-Turvy
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Thoughts?
posted by rudely_murraySTAFFMOD on August 10, 2017 at 6:03 AM
What are your thoughts on Mike Leigh's telling of the inception and first production of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado? It's an uneven film, by turns rambling and engaging, occasionally very funny, always sumptuous to look at. If I found it less involving than some of Leigh's other films, both contemporary and period, it is largely down to my tolerance - rather low, to be honest - of G&S operetta music. The production numbers do go on and on. What the film does have to its advantage, and its a major credit, is a commanding performance by Jim Broadbent as Gilbert. Always at his best as larger than life characters, he has a field day here. Very fine performance. 6/10.
Reply by rooprect
on December 27, 2023 at 10:55 AM
I haven't seen this, but I'm also curious to know opinions since I'm considering it. I really enjoyed the original Mikado but that's largely due to the nostalgia effect of watching a classic from 1939. A golden age musical seems like a bizarre choice to remake in modern times unless it adds something truly original.
Also in the bonus features for Mikado there's an interview with Mike Leigh who comes across as ...how to put it... sort of a douchebag lol. Like he didn't really care about the material. That plus your lukewarm review is making me want to take a pass on this one, unless someone chimes in with some praise for it.
Reply by rudely_murray
on March 13, 2024 at 3:06 AM
I saw the 1939 version of The Mikado a few months back and enjoyed it very much, despite the hopelessly (actually rather endearingly) wooden Kenny Baker as Nanki Poo. The sets and costumes were truly sumptuous - rivalling the same year's The Wizard of Oz on a visual level.
Don't let my review of Leigh's film put you off... Topsy Turvy, while long and sometimes lumbering, has plenty to recommend it. It's not one I'll go back to, but it's well worth a watch.
Reply by genplant29
on March 13, 2024 at 9:02 AM
Good to see you, rudely.