About Mr. Turner

"Mr. Turner" is a 2014 biographical drama about the last 25 years of the life of artist J.M.W. Turner. Box office revenues grossed over $12 million worldwide. The movie was directed by Mike Leigh and predominantly focuses on Turner's relationships with his father, housekeeper and his artistic contemporaries and rivals.

Making / Production

Director Mike Leigh spent years researching Turner's life, alongside the main actor Timothy Spall, focusing on Turner's paintings, sketches and written accounts of him. The film was shot primarily in the UK, in locations such as Cornwall, London and Yorkshire.

Actors

• Timothy Spall: He plays J.M.W Turner and beautifully portrays the complex character of the artist.
• Paul Jesson: He plays Turner's father, William Turner, and provides a touch of warmth and humor to the film.
• Dorothy Atkinson: She portrays Hannah Danby, Turner's housekeeper, with a poignant performance reflecting the social realities of the era.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Timothy Spall spent two years learning to paint in preparation for his role as Turner.
• The film was screened in the main competition section at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, where Timothy Spall won the award for Best Actor.

Awards

The film has received multiple awards, including Best Actor for Timothy Spall at the Cannes Film Festival, and multiple BAFTA nominations. It was also nominated for four Academy Awards in Cinematography, Costume Design, Production Design, and Original Score.

Quotes

• "Humanity to fellow man. Love. Wonder. The wonder of the genius of the divine."
• "I believe, Mr Turner, you are a man of great vision."

Music, Soundtrack

• The score for the movie was composed by Gary Yershon, earning him an Academy Award nomination.
• The music adds to the mood of the film, with a classical soundtrack matching the period and the intensity of Turner's work.