Topsy-Turvy
Composite Score: 81.27
Starring: Jim Broadbent, Allan Corduner, Timothy Spall, Lesley Manville, Ron Cook, Kevin McKidd, and Shirley Henderson
Director: Mike Leigh
Writer: Mike Leigh
Genres: Biography, Comedy, Drama, Music
MPAA Rating: R for a scene of risqué nudity
Box Office: $7.8 million worldwide
Why should you Watch This Film?
Topsy-Turvy tells the story of the opera-crafting duo of Gilbert and Sullivan during a proverbial dry-spell when they create their famous opera, the Mikado. It is a historical dramedy featuring strong performances throughout, a powerful exploration of the creative process and different types of creative minds, and a fascinating look at the British Savoy Opera during the late-Victorian period. Jim Broadbent’s William Gilbert and Allan Corduner’s Arthur Sullivan are two sides of a creative coin, working almost counter to one another to create something that is both entertainment and art. Their story, while lengthy, presents a worthwhile exploration of humanity, drive, and passion. It is a chaotic good time that is certainly worth the watch.
Why shouldn’t you Watch This Film?
Topsy-Turvy is not a film without issues (obviously not or it would be ranked higher than 996 in the Greatest Films of All Time). One of the most glaring being the extensive number of storylines peppered throughout its 2 hour and 40-minute runtime. While Gilbert and Sullivan’s story features most heavily throughout, actors and producers often feature heavily for minutes at a time with no screentime for the two leads. This is not to say that the side stories are not good on their own or even that the side characters’ acting is bad – in fact, I would even go so far as to say that Timothy Spall’s portrayal of leading actor Richard Temple might be the best performance in the film – it is just that it creates a story that could be difficult for the average movie-goer to follow.
Another issue that should be addressed is the treatment of the subject matter of the Mikado. Gilbert was inspired to craft the opera after visiting a Japanese exhibition in London with his wife, leading to some glaring moments of cultural appropriation, misunderstanding of Japanese mannerisms, and some outright stereotyping of the Japanese. Obviously, the film wants to remain true to its historical subject matter, but I also believe that, had it been made more recently than 1999, the Japanese inspirations for the show would have much more agency and served less as caricatures of Asian culture.
So wait, why should you Watch This Film?
Extensive and confusing though the story may be, the cast of characters all fill their roles incredibly well. Broadbent delivers a BAFTA-nominated performance as the work-obsessed Gilbert. Corduner’s Sullivan is the perfect foil to that, acting as a care-free artist who wants to be appreciated not for the money that his shows generate but for the music he creates. The supporting cast as well serve as compelling characters with well-fleshed-out stories and lives beyond the screen. The performances of Timothy Spall, Lesley Manville, Kevin McKidd, and Shirley Henderson are particularly well-crafted. Spall’s acting also garnered him a BAFTA nod for supporting actor. Manville communicates loving and frustrated wife so well, playing off of Broadbent convincingly in every scene they share. McKidd’s showing as Durward Lely is a much-needed comedic relief throughout that also carries with it a sense of sincere care for his fellow cast-members at the Savoy. Henderson’s portrayal of the talented but scarred prima donna of the show is moving in the scenes that she is given.
The exploration of Gilbert’s and Sullivan’s creative processes and needs creates a strong relatable thread throughout the story. Gilbert’s desire to receive reviews that do not just describe him as “topsy-turvy” is in conflict with his seeming creative rut in storytelling that he himself cannot even recognize without the help of Sullivan. Sullivan by contrast would rather never work again than subject himself and his work to simply be a money-making tool for the producers of the Savoy, needing Gilbert’s prodding to create something that is worthwhile in the Mikado. It is a fascinating take on creativity and the drive behind it and how both kinds are needed to create something truly great.
Finally, the portrayal of the contrasting personal lives of Gilbert and Sullivan is a worthwhile exploration of the human experience, asking the question, “What truly brings happiness?” Gilbert’s devotion to his work leaves him under the constant weight of stress and unable to connect with the people in his life who truly care about him. His father and wife both are viewed by Gilbert as merely nuisances, distracting him from creating a true masterpiece. We see toward the end, in a stunning communication of pain, frustration, and need from Manville, just how much his obsession has hurt his marriage and other relationships despite his success with the Mikado. Sullivan, again by contrast, lives a life seemingly disconnected from his work, still needing to perform, but doing so for the pleasure rather than for the accolades. Sullivan’s happiness in an unmarried affair is heavily contrasted with Gilbert’s seemingly loveless marriage. Sullivan, being the composer, stays through the performance of the Mikado and witnesses firsthand the love the audience has for it, while Gilbert leaves and only gets to experience the applause at the end – with great apprehension at that.
Overall, Topsy-Turvy is a lengthy, partially overstuffed historical dramedy that fits well in the pantheon of Greatest Films of All Time. The performances of both the leads and the supporting cast elevate the film above some other period pieces and help keep the long runtime entertaining. The contrast of the two characters of Gilbert and Sullivan is the true feature of this film that makes it worth watching and revisiting. Please, find a Criterion Collection log-in or utilize some other streaming service to watch it and enjoy, because it is well worth it!
