#558: LEIGH, Mike: Topsy-Turvy (1999)

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LEIGH, Mike (United Kingdom)
Topsy-Turvy [1999]
Spine #558
Blu-ray


The world of Gilbert and Sullivan comes to vivid life in director Mike Leigh's extraordinary dramatization of the staging of the duo's legendary 1885 comic opera The Mikado. Jim Broadbent and Allan Corduner brilliantly inhabit the roles of the world-famous Victorian librettist and composer, who, along with their troupe of temperamental actors, must battle personal and professional demons while mounting this major production. A lushly produced epic about the harsh realities of creative expression, featuring bravura performances and Oscar-winning costume design and makeup, Topsy-Turvy is an unexpected period delight from one of contemporary cinema's great artists.

160 minutes
Color
Surround
1:78:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2011
Director/Writer


Mike Leigh was 56 when he wrote and directed Topsy-Turvy.

Other Leigh films in the Collection:

#890: Meantime (1984)
#659: Life Is Sweet (1990)
#307: Naked (1993)
#1070: Secrets & Lies (1996)

The Film

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Twenty-page booklet featuring an essay by film critic Amy Taubin.

Commentary

Featuring director Leigh.
Video conversation

Between Leigh and musical director Gary Yershon.
A Sense of History

1992 short film written by and starring actor Broadbent.
Deleted scenes

Featurette

From 1999 including interviews with Leigh and cast members.

Theatrical trailer and TV sports

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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