Film review: Mr Turner

Undated Film Still Handout from Mr.Turner. Pictured: Timothy Spall as Joseph Mallord William Turner. See PA Feature FILM Film Reviews. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/Handout/eOnefilms. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature FILM Film Reviews .

He returns to London and the home he shares with his father William (Paul Jesson) and housekeeper Hannah Danby (Dorothy Atkinson).

The relationship between the two men is sketched in exquisite detail in these early scenes, with Turner warmly embracing his “daddy”.

Turner channels his energy into his work, which continues to raise eyebrows at the Royal Academy Of Arts. During excursions to Margate, Turner meets Mrs Booth (Marion Bailey) and her husband (Karl Johnson) and rents a room from the couple so he can paint seascapes by the morning light.

The burgeoning relationship between the artist and Mrs Booth sweetens the bitter pill of William’s passing and Turner continues to clash with the artistic establishment, represented here by Sir John Soane (Nicholas Jones) and his coterie. Mr Turner is a glorious period piece that offers us a glimpse behind the canvasses of a misunderstood maverick, who notes at one point, “When I peruse myself in a looking glass, I see a gargoyle.”