Topsy Turvy
Not
really a musical or a straight biographical piece, this film has only really
been described as a drama that takes place during the original 1884 composition
and staging of what would become one of their most famous works, The Mikado.
At the time, however, Gilbert and Sullivan were anything but a sure thing, following
a slump that nearly broke up the duo. The movie depicts how they turned things
around with The Mikado. (provided by upcomingmovies.com)
WITH: Dorothy Atkinson (Jessie Bond), Jim Broadbent (W. S. Gilbert), Ron Cook (Richard D'Oyly Carte), Allan Corduner (Arthur Sullivan), David (Fanny Ronalds), Shirley Henderson (Leonora Braham), Manville (Lucy Gilbert), Kevin McKidd (Durward Lely), Wendy Nottingham (Helen Lenoir), Martin Savage (George Grossmith), Timothy Spall (Richard Temple) and Alison Steadman (Madame Leon).
Awards
Best film of 1999, New York Film Critics Circle
Best director, New York Film Critics Circle
Reviews
New York Times
"Mike Leigh's grandly entertaining Topsy-Turvy is one of those films that create a mix of erudition, pageantry and delectable acting opportunities, much as Shakespeare in Love did last year."Brit Movie
"Mike Leigh's Topsy-Turvy, a film as unlike Secrets and Lies or Naked as it is possible to get. The problem for some is that they've scarcely heard of Gilbert and Sullivan, upon whose careers Leigh's first period film is based. This is Leigh's most ambitious project yet, a 156 minute musical epic containing much excellent design and some superb performances."
More
New York Critics Honor Leigh's Topsy Turvy
From the New York Times.The Films of Mike Leigh
Find out more about this director and his films. With
links to films, interviews, profiles of the actors in
his films, and more.Career Girls
The Official Site of this 1997 Mike Leigh comedy. Set in London over a weekend, the film follows two women as they catch up and reflect on the early days of their friendship.
Secret and Lies
The academy award nominations for Best Actress, Best Director, Best film, Best Supporting actress, and best screenplay made filmmaker Mike Leigh's name in the States.
