Overview
A captivating exploration of an artist's tumultuous life and legacy, revealing the man behind the masterpieces.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- earthy
- witty
- intimate
- quiet evening
- museum afternoon
What critics said
Critics broadly praised Mike Leigh's richly textured direction and Timothy Spall's masterful, layered performance in this immersive portrait of J.M.W. Turner.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Turner is shown working directly with paint, weather, and the physical conditions of observation, including being strapped to a ship's mast to experience a snowstorm.
The film presents Turner's gruff public manner alongside his passionate interest in people, the world, and intimate relationships.
Critics highlighted the film's colors, textures, and almost sensory smells across studios, seaside lodgings, aristocratic homes, and art institutions.
Turner is alternately celebrated and reviled by the public and royalty while remaining an anarchic member of the Royal Academy of Arts.
Films like Mr. Turner, and why
Amadeus
period biographical drama centered on an unruly creative genius and the social world surrounding his artistic work
Topsy-Turvy
Mike Leigh period drama combining artistic creation, richly textured historical settings, and ensemble character observation
The Lady in the Portrait
quietly immersive artist portrait emphasizing temperament, artistic process, and difficult personal relationships
Pollock
visually sumptuous biographical drama about a celebrated artist negotiating intimacy, reputation, and creative identity
Movie Details
- Director
- Mike Leigh
- Release Date
- 2014-10-31
- Runtime
- 150 min
- Rating
- 6.5 / 10 (599)
Cast
- Timothy Spall
- Dorothy Atkinson
- Marion Bailey
- Paul Jesson
- Lesley Manville
- Martin Savage
- Ruth Sheen
- David Horovitch
- Karl Johnson
- Peter Wight
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Mr. Turner about?
- A richly tactile portrait of J.M.W. Turner as a fiercely gifted, socially abrasive painter whose restless appetite for life shapes both his art and his relationships.
- What is Mr. Turner like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Mr. Turner as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Mr. Turner violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Mr. Turner.
- What did critics think of Mr. Turner?
- Critics broadly praised Mike Leigh's richly textured direction and Timothy Spall's masterful, layered performance in this immersive portrait of J.M.W. Turner.
- Which films are like Mr. Turner?
- Films with a similar feel include Amadeus, Topsy-Turvy, The Lady in the Portrait, and Pollock.
- How long is Mr. Turner?
- Mr. Turner runs 150 minutes.
- Where can I watch Mr. Turner?
- In United States, Mr. Turner is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand.
