Parents' Guide to

Mr. Turner

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Biopic of famous painter is well-acted but slow moving.

Movie R 2014 149 minutes
Mr. Turner Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 15+

Based on 3 parent reviews

doctora
doctora Parent of 6-year-old
September 7, 2022
age 16+

Spall and Leigh combine to make a strong biopic

Excellent work done by Mike Leigh and Timothy Spall throws himself into the role and has an incredible performance. The film takes its time, per usual with Leigh's films but you get into the world, into the mundaneness of Turner's life and Spall brings the audience with him every step of the way...it is mesmerizing.
Patrick senior
Patrick senior Adult
May 27, 2015
age 15+

Arty needing patience

Higher rating given due to relationship between Mr Turner and his household servant which could be considered to take advantage of his position of authority and hence scene borders on rape. Also prostitution scene difficult for younger audience to understand in context. Film as a whole portrays his art and character very well for those interested but slow pace makes it difficult for any not interested.

This title has:

Too much sex
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Director Mike Leigh's biopic MR. TURNER traces the last few decades in the life of acclaimed English painter J.M.W. Turner. While Turner was renowned for his Romantic landscapes, which heralded the burgeoning Impressionist movement, actor Timothy Spall explores the artist's personal side, offering up a portrait of a boorish, complicated brute who barely speaks, abandons his children, takes advantage of his housekeepers, maligns his fellow painters, and is mostly unlikable -- except when he is. He's dedicated to his paintings, but the pursuit of art is much more straightforward than his relationships.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3):
Kids say (3):

Mr. Turner is a visually arresting movie that exceeds expectations when it comes to exploring and presenting the great painter's art, suffusing it with the light and energy his work is known for. However, the film confounds in its portrayal of the man. No doubt much of this has to do with Turner himself, whose complicated, difficult childhood produced a complicated, difficult man. But it also has something to do with how he's written. Spall is a delight as the crude, eccentric Turner, but he's also opaque, delighting with specificities but falling short when it comes to making the artist reachable.

This, perhaps, has to do with the story itself, which has flashes of humor and historic insight, ably shepherded by Leigh, but goes on for too long, weighing down a fascinating film about a fascinating man and leaving it wanting. Similarly to how Turner communicates, less would have been more.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the artist J.M.W. Turner. What did you learn about his life from Mr. Turner? Were you aware of him before seeing the movie? How accurate do you think the film is? Why might filmmakers tweak the facts in movies based on true stories?

  • What do you think about the way the film approaches its subject? Did the pacing help you appreciate the languid act of creating art? How does Spall bring the character to life?

  • How is sex depicted in the movie? Is it romantic? What function does it serve for the characters?

Movie Details

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