Topsy-Turvy
The Hard Work of Light Comedy
Reviewed by Bruce Cantwell
W. Schwenk Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan were the biggest thing in the Victorian Theater.
Director/scripter Mike Leigh was fascinated by all the hard work, sweat and angst they went through to produce a piece of filagree.
Gilbert & Sullivan have opened their latest, Princess Ida. Gilbert is upset that their work is growing stale. Sullivan vows never to write another show with Gilbert. He believes he owes it to himself and his country to compose serious work.
"If you wish to write a grand opera about a prostitute dying of consumption in a garret, I suggest you contact Mr. Ibsen in Oslo. I'm sure he will be able to supply you with something suitably dull," suggests Gilbert.
Gilbert & Sullivan fans will enjoy the carefully reconstructed musical numbers (especially Timothy Spall's sidesplitting dance to the Mikado song) and those unfamiliar with the work will find this a satisfying introduction.
In comparison to Leigh's other work, historical events seem to have handcuffed him when it comes to creating meaningful interpersonal conflicts. The central conflict of the film magically resolves when Gilbert comes up with his Japanese-set libretto.
Instead, we get almost a documentary take on how a piece of musical theater is created.
The DVD offers a featurette about the improvisation behind the film, the trailer, commercials and Web site content about Gilbert and Sullivan.
If you enjoyed this film, you will like:
Topsy-Turvy
The Hard Work of Light Comedy
Reviewed by Bruce Cantwell
W. Schwenk Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan were the biggest thing in the Victorian Theater.
Director/scripter Mike Leigh was fascinated by all the hard work, sweat and angst they went through to produce a piece of filagree.
Gilbert & Sullivan have opened their latest, Princess Ida. Gilbert is upset that their work is growing stale. Sullivan vows never to write another show with Gilbert. He believes he owes it to himself and his country to compose serious work.
"If you wish to write a grand opera about a prostitute dying of consumption in a garret, I suggest you contact Mr. Ibsen in Oslo. I'm sure he will be able to supply you with something suitably dull," suggests Gilbert.
Gilbert & Sullivan fans will enjoy the carefully reconstructed musical numbers (especially Timothy Spall's sidesplitting dance to the Mikado song) and those unfamiliar with the work will find this a satisfying introduction.
In comparison to Leigh's other work, historical events seem to have handcuffed him when it comes to creating meaningful interpersonal conflicts. The central conflict of the film magically resolves when Gilbert comes up with his Japanese-set libretto.
Instead, we get almost a documentary take on how a piece of musical theater is created.
The DVD offers a featurette about the improvisation behind the film, the trailer, commercials and Web site content about Gilbert and Sullivan.
If you enjoyed this film, you will like:
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