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Topsy-Turvy (DVD, 2000)
Price:
£8.95
Free postage
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30 days return. Buyer pays for return postage.
Condition:
UK Release / Region 2 / New & Sealed.
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Given the enduring and well-deserved interest in the Gilbert and Sullivan operas, it is perhaps surprising that there have not been more films dedicated to relating the story of the collaboration between these two very different characters, for it is a story full of genuine human interest. Personality clashes and conflicting ambitions are pitted against the greatest mutual professional respect and in reality, a deep, but all-too-often hidden, personal affection that was so well hidden it took tragedy to allow it fully to surface, The film was conceived, directed and produced by Mike Leigh in 1999. Jim Broadbent is utterly convincing as the taciturn, acid-tongued - yet hugely intelligent, erudite and witty playwright and martinet (at least as far as his plays are concerned) - William Schwenk Gilbert, and Allan Corduner as the affable, kindly and lovable quasi-libertine, Arthur Seymour Sullivan . Corduner is himself a pianist and musician of no mean ability and his portrayal of Sullivan is eerily accurate, self-evidently due in no small measure to his innate understanding of the mysteries of music. Witnessing his piano-accompanying skills, conducting and rehearsal techniques (accurate even even down to the style of baton he clutches in his right hand) is to feel and see the spirit and mannerisms of Sullivan himself. Both lead actors give truly masterly and memorable performances. The main story line concerns the rift that had been developing between Gilbert and Sullivan (born largely out of their differing ambitions) and how, during a Japanese cultural exhibition which was being staged in London, a domestic incident provided Gilbert with the unlikely, but wholly fortuitous, inspiration for an entirely new 'Japanese' opera and Sullivan's subsequent enthusiastic agreement to compose the score for this unusual and exotic subject. We soon discover Gilbert's absolute insistence on authenticity in dress, mannerisms and precise adherence to his standards and directions. Discipline was the watchword, and woe betide the cast member - however well-known and loved by the public - who was foolish enough to add his own interpretations or 'improvements' to Gilbert's finely-honed scripts. Sullivan, although firmly insistent that his music be performed by musicians of the first order and performing at the highest level, nevertheless achieved his objectives much more by kindness, good humour, charm, and gentle wit. Using the 'good cop/bad cop' analogy Sullivan was the 'good cop' to Gilbert's 'bad cop', although in reality this is a very simplistic and unfair characterisation of a very complex personality. Time and again those who knew Gilbert the best unhesitatingly attested to his genuine generosity, care and underlying kindness - except, of course, where his work was concerned when he knew what he wanted and, by thunder, was going to get it! And he did! The film treats us to some lovely performances taken from several of the operas; not just 'The Mikado'. On a slightly darker side, the portrayal of the less savoury attributes of some of the leading cast members of the day are not glossed over, but do remind us of the social problems that blighted Victorian London society. Drugs are hardly a purely modern scourge! This production fulfils three (and a half!) distinct roles. Firstly it is predominantly a lavish musical entertainment; secondly it has been sufficiently well researched and casted to enable it to be considered at least semi-educational, thirdly it is an excellent introduction to the enjoyment of these timeless masterworks, and 'three and a halfly', because this point leads directly on from the previous, it is a film that I dare to hope may whet the appetite of many to explore further these operas which have delighted audiences of all ages for upwards of 130 years - and which look set to continue to do so for many years to come wherever the English language and culture are truly valued and appreciated. My advice is to buy this wonderful DVD, sit back and enjoy a feast of gloriously happy, toe-tapping music married to those hilariously bizarre plots which gave rise to the eponymous title of this film: 'Topsy-Turvy'.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The film itself is a gem. This particular copy though, is completely gash. The sound quality is so muffled and the picture quality so bad, that I wouldn't be surprised if it was just videoed off someone's TV set. It's really not recommended.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The hallmark of Topsy-Turvy is in its attention to providing authenticity. Mike Leigh and his team clearly put a huge amount of effort into the attention to detail. It is worth giving close attention to the sets, which are stunning, and demonstrate that wealthy Victorians lived in a richly decorated environment. The costumes, both on- and off- stage are fantastic. The acting is highly engaging, both dramatically and musically. As with most stories, those based on fact are much more fascinating than pure fiction. Although there is some dramatic licence taken, the script is largely based on actual historical incidents. There is considerable comment on the sexual morés of the time. Who thought that the Victorians got up to quite so much hanky-panky? Mike Leigh has given us much insight into the lives of, and the complex relationship between, W.S. Gilbert, Sir Arthur Sullivan and the other protagonists of the D’Oyly Carte Company. We do not always appreciate the significance and value of casting in drama and the casting certainly hit gold in this movie. Jim Broadbent is quite superb as the somewhat brusque and neurotic Sullivan and I believe that he deserved an Oscar for this performance. Allan Corduner is equally brilliant in his portrayal of Sir Arthur Sullivan and it is particular fascinating to see his musical skills manifested on screen. He deserves to have had more success in his acting career. The cast sang all their own songs and there was no over-dubbing by singers (Hollywood - take note) and the quality of the musical performances does great justice to the score. Shirley Henderson as Leonara Braham (as Yum-Yum) and Kevin McKidd as Durward Lely (as Nanki-Poo) are particularly entertaining. Even the relatively minor parts are superbly depicted; look out for Gilbert’s butler, Mr Pigeon (Kenneth Hadley) and Charles Simon as Gilbert’s father. There is some very interesting and engaging repartee depicted between the characters during rehearsals as well as an intriguing complexity of layering to the story, which is that the actors are playing actors who are themselves playing roles. It is a shame that it was not possible for this cast to play a full-length version of the Mikado as this could well have been a landmark performance, although I imagine that the budget would have not run to this. It would have been a fine opportunity to demonstrate a different perspective to that of the D’Oyly Carte Company which has rather held a historic stranglehold on the performances of the Savoy operettas. So Topsy-Turvy is a simply wonderful movie and well worth watching over and over again. Do try to get a version with Mike Leigh’s commentary which will give you some fascinating insights into the back story behind the back story of the Mikado. Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Excellent production values providing an authentic Victorian period atmosphere, top quality acting. They stretched the truth a little for dramatic purposes, but all in all a fascinating glimpse of not only Gilbert & Sullivan, but all the people involved in their productions, which were brilliantly staged. Though nearly 3 hours long, the time passed quickly, since the film was so absorbing.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I have been waiting for this to come on the t.v.for years but for whatever reason it doesn't. So i purchased the DVD and was not disappointed.If anything it was better than i remembered.Never a dull moment in every respect. I know it was nominated for an Oscar and my only complaint would be the film should have ended when Gilbert and Sullivan shook hands after the opening night performance of The Mikado,i think that it would have won the oscar had Mike Leigh done so. However that is a miniscule aside. One word of warning ⚠ don't get the imported version as it will not play,i ordered it by mistake and when you put it in it says :wrong version and that's your lot!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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