Comme ci, comme ca........
Added 10/18/2009
I was a little disappointed with this movie, but I suspect my expectations were set too high based on some glowing reviews that led me to buy it. However, it's the kind of movie I think I'll appreciate more on repeat viewings (it is very long, there are many characters to keep track of - often in different costume, making it hard to remember who's who - and many subtleties to pick up on). It bore resemblance to other movies about musical genius (Amadeus, especially in the opening and conducting scenes; Immortal Beloved and Copying Beethoven - all great movies to emulate, by the way).
The movie felt a bit choppy, and I watched many scenes wondering what they contributed to the story and why they were included. It's almost as if someone thought "let's include this! Oh, and let's include that!," but then these disparate vignettes weren't stitched together very well to make them flow better, and the result was an overly long movie that leaves you with many questions. There seemed to be too much unnecessary detail at times, yet not enough at others. Basically, the movie could have benefited from better editing, both for length and content. To give one glaring example, Sullivan was adamant in refusing to write any more music for comic operas and steadfast in his desire to write serious ones. This stumbling block between the two geniuses was noted over and over. Yet, Sullivan seems to miraculously come around and embrace The Mikado, giving up on his serious objections to the genre. By what process did that transformation happen when he was so stubborn earlier? This is central to the story and yet is not really explained aside from one scene where Sullivan apparently likes the new libretto (but why when it's not much different from the others???).
Having done all that nitpicking, I must say this film has many pluses - not the least of which is the beautifully rendered music, the extended live performance numbers, the great singing (which some have complained about but I found it marvelous and highly recommend the soundtrack), the opulent costumes, magnificent sets and excellent cast. Visually it reminds me a bit of Moulin Rouge in its overall lushness. The period setting is also of great interest (has anyone ever explored the pitfalls of the just-invented telephone before, or the marvel of the "reservoir pen" with its own ink?)
Perhaps there is just too much going on in this movie to adequately absorb in one setting. Therefore, I am watching it again - which, come to think of it, is pretty high praise for any movie. So ultimately, I must recommend. Eventually, you'll probably love it.
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topsy turvy a triumph
Added 9/1/2009
If you are a Savoyard you absolutely must have this film. It is true to the G&S history involved as nearly as I can tell. The company members depicted in the film are actually that and some even look like photos I have seen from that era. The Mikado related story also is quite true from what I have read elsewhere. Aside from the musical related material the insights into both men's private lives are well done and rather touching. So, Topsy Turvy is a must for anyone with G&S ties.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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WARNING!! This film can lead to an OBSESSION!!!!
Added 6/28/2009
Others have stated the merits of this film better than I can. So just let me say that this film changed my life.
I've lost count of the number of times I've watched it. I have read every book I could find about G&S, purchased the entire DVD set of operettas, (multiple versions of my favorites )& now consider myself a devoted Savoyard.
If you'd like to stick your toe in I have a few recommendations:
1.HMS Pinafore/Trial By Jury A 2005 version DVD by Opera Australia
2. The Pirates of Penzance 2007 DVD also by Opera Australia
3.Ian Bradley's The Complete Annotated Gilbert & Sullivan.
(The "Bible" which has the words to all the operettas, interesting
tidbits, & suggestions for further reading).
This little hobby/obsession has given me hours & hours of pleasure.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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Great Movie...Why's it Out of Print?
Added 4/1/2009
As a Gilbert and Sullivan fan, I have always found this movie to be very interesting. The film might be a bit too slowly paced for some. I enjoyed the portrayls of daily life in the Victorian Era, but that aspect of the film may not be enjoyed by all. The one complaint I've heard about this film is that it is "too slow."
In my opinion the movie really hits its stride when it talks about the making of Gilbert and Sullivan's famous operetta, "The Mikado." The scenes that describe the reactions of those in Victorian England to Japanese culture are the most amusing in the film.
"Topsy Turvy" also features actors who do their own singing, which for the most part is quite impressive. The scenes that feature actual moments from various operettas are amongst my favorites. I have loved this movie since I first saw it in 1999, and its a shame its out of print and become harder to get a hold of.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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Corroborative - see the movie.
Added 3/16/2009
You forget you're watching a movie. That's how all Mike Leigh's movies work. Just totally interesting from beginning to end.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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Comme ci, comme ca........
Added 10/18/2009
I was a little disappointed with this movie, but I suspect my expectations were set too high based on some glowing reviews that led me to buy it. However, it's the kind of movie I think I'll appreciate more on repeat viewings (it is very long, there are many characters to keep track of - often in different costume, making it hard to remember who's who - and many subtleties to pick up on). It bore resemblance to other movies about musical genius (Amadeus, especially in the opening and conducting scenes; Immortal Beloved and Copying Beethoven - all great movies to emulate, by the way).
The movie felt a bit choppy, and I watched many scenes wondering what they contributed to the story and why they were included. It's almost as if someone thought "let's include this! Oh, and let's include that!," but then these disparate vignettes weren't stitched together very well to make them flow better, and the result was an overly long movie that leaves you with many questions. There seemed to be too much unnecessary detail at times, yet not enough at others. Basically, the movie could have benefited from better editing, both for length and content. To give one glaring example, Sullivan was adamant in refusing to write any more music for comic operas and steadfast in his desire to write serious ones. This stumbling block between the two geniuses was noted over and over. Yet, Sullivan seems to miraculously come around and embrace The Mikado, giving up on his serious objections to the genre. By what process did that transformation happen when he was so stubborn earlier? This is central to the story and yet is not really explained aside from one scene where Sullivan apparently likes the new libretto (but why when it's not much different from the others???).
Having done all that nitpicking, I must say this film has many pluses - not the least of which is the beautifully rendered music, the extended live performance numbers, the great singing (which some have complained about but I found it marvelous and highly recommend the soundtrack), the opulent costumes, magnificent sets and excellent cast. Visually it reminds me a bit of Moulin Rouge in its overall lushness. The period setting is also of great interest (has anyone ever explored the pitfalls of the just-invented telephone before, or the marvel of the "reservoir pen" with its own ink?)
Perhaps there is just too much going on in this movie to adequately absorb in one setting. Therefore, I am watching it again - which, come to think of it, is pretty high praise for any movie. So ultimately, I must recommend. Eventually, you'll probably love it.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
topsy turvy a triumph
Added 9/1/2009
If you are a Savoyard you absolutely must have this film. It is true to the G&S history involved as nearly as I can tell. The company members depicted in the film are actually that and some even look like photos I have seen from that era. The Mikado related story also is quite true from what I have read elsewhere. Aside from the musical related material the insights into both men's private lives are well done and rather touching. So, Topsy Turvy is a must for anyone with G&S ties.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
WARNING!! This film can lead to an OBSESSION!!!!
Added 6/28/2009
Others have stated the merits of this film better than I can. So just let me say that this film changed my life.
I've lost count of the number of times I've watched it. I have read every book I could find about G&S, purchased the entire DVD set of operettas, (multiple versions of my favorites )& now consider myself a devoted Savoyard.
If you'd like to stick your toe in I have a few recommendations:
1.HMS Pinafore/Trial By Jury A 2005 version DVD by Opera Australia
2. The Pirates of Penzance 2007 DVD also by Opera Australia
3.Ian Bradley's The Complete Annotated Gilbert & Sullivan.
(The "Bible" which has the words to all the operettas, interesting
tidbits, & suggestions for further reading).
This little hobby/obsession has given me hours & hours of pleasure.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
|
