Topsy-Turvy (1999) Mike Leigh’s chaotic ode to the theatre (Review)

Art is (probably) dead. Years from now, when future generations look back on our cultural offerings, I feel like they’ll be underwhelmed. Perhaps I’m just being crude and narrow-minded, but the glory days of innovation and experimentation are long behind us. It’s why so many films set themselves in periods of artistic enlightenment, the era of Shakespeare or Wolfgang Amadeus, characters that find themselves brushing shoulders with Picasso or Francis Bacon. Passion can be held by anyone, but it must connect with the raw energy and talent found within. Lightning in a bottle; it’s what Mike Leigh looks to present in Topsy-Turvy, a film that follows a frustrated writer and his equally frustrated business partner.  

With frequent collaborator Jim Broadbent, Leigh and company turn in a stalwart effort. A lavish cast of characters brings to life this tale of behind-the-scenes theatre production. The works of Arthur Sullivan and W.S. Gilbert are undeniably memorable, recognisable pieces that you may not realise you know. Topsy-Turvy provides merit in highlighting the talents the two possessed, with Allan Corduner and Broadbent bringing life to the pair. After their disappointing stage play, Princess Ida, flops, Gilbert and Sullivan return to the stage once more to put on a performance of The Mikado. An ensemble cast including Timothy Spall, Dexter Fletcher, Shirley Henderson, Lesley Manville, and Andy Serkis appear, bringing life to the littered, rudimentary cast of honour-bound stage performers. 

The performances, on the whole, are superb. Corduner’s seemingly nervous disposition but a knack for writing pairs well with Broadbent’s bold frontier, hiding a shy, perfectionist attitude behind an icy gaze and respect for professionalism. They have consistently great chemistry with one another, you’d hope so considering they play the infamous writing pair. The highs and lows they find themselves battling through are documented well, Leigh brings out some insightful work. His obsession with capturing the writing process gives a meticulous detail to the preparation of stage production. For fans of theatrics, this is a gold mine of behind-the-scenes drama and discourse, a monumental achievement in capturing the bitter rivalries, outlandish demands, and the eventual, happy conclusion.  

Conflict is at the core of this film, but it feels like the resolution is found all too soon. They capture the egotistical nature of the performer well. The off-colour, ridiculous demands of the stagehands and writers hiding away in their echo chambers are always present, overlapping with one another rather well. But it feels rather ineffectual at times. A song performed by the leading actor is cut from the production, but only ten minutes later it’s reinstated thanks to an act of camaraderie on behalf of the cast. It’s a nice moment, but one that feels particularly underwhelming, and without time to build itself up as something more crucial to the film.  

The Criterion remastering will be a real treat for both fans of the movie and those of Leigh and Topsy-Turvy. Aside from a gorgeous, crisp transfer of the movie, there are a plethora of extras to feast your eyes on. Leigh’s TV short A Sense of History can be found within the supplements, a short film that began the discussion for Topsy-Turvy. It’s a charming piece, a nice inclusion alongside featurettes, audio commentary with Mike Leigh, and a helping of deleted scenes.  

Leigh turns in a film that highlights his passion for art very clearly. Merits must go to his shot composition, low hanging angles beneath tables of luxury-laden plates, looking up to the lap of entitlement. We look down on the actors, up at the writers, who have the final say in almost every matter. There are hidden triumphs, eliciting that necessary emotional connection between audience and screen, one that aides in a genuine feeling of success. It’s a success story, but Topsy-Turvy is a film that wishes to include its viewers in such feelings of triumph as much as it possibly can.  

Thanks for reading our review of Topsy-Turvy

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