The latest screening in the Kitchen Stove Film Series is a French and German biographical drama that explores the story of one of England’s greatest painters.
Written and directed by Mike Leigh (Happy-Go-Lucky, Another Year) Mr. Turner explores the last quarter century of the life of prolific painter J.M.W. Turner played by Timothy Spall.
Turner is often considered one of the greatest masters of British watercolour landscape painting and he is sometimes regarded as the romantic preface to impressionism.
Often called the “painter of light” Turner was known for elevating landscape painting to a point of never before seen realism and texture.
However, the inspired beauty of his works is a stark contrast to his outward appearance. Throughout his adventures, Turner travels, paints, stays with the country aristocracy and visits brothels.
Turner is also a popular, if anarchic, member of the Royal Academy of Arts and at one point has himself strapped to the mast of a ship so that he can paint a snowstorm
Turner is profoundly affected by the death of his father (Paul Jesson) and was often considered eccentric in his later years and is both celebrated and reviled by the public and by royalty. He is well loved by his housekeeper Hannah Danby (Dorothy Atkinson) whom he takes for granted. Turner does form a close relationship with a widowed seaside landlady Sophia Booth (Marion Bailey) with whom he eventually lives incognito in Chelsea.
The film was nominated for best cinematography, best costume design, best original score and best production design at the 87th Academy Awards. Timothy Spall won best actor for his portrayal of Turner at the 67th Cannes Film Festival in France.
The screenings of Mr. Turner take place on March 19 at the Landmark 7 Cinema. Show times are 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Series tickets are $38 for Art Gallery members and students and $44 for non-members.
Pre-purchased single tickets for the screening are $13 each, and $15 at the door (subject to availability).
Tickets are available at the Penticton Art Gallery, 199 Marina Way (250-493-2928) and the Book Shop, 242 Main St., 250-492-6661.
