Topsy-Turvy (1999)

A fascinating look at The Mikado
Modern day recordings of works by Gilbert and Sullivan are few and far between; those that are in widescreen and surround sound even fewer, though a notable exception is the Australian version of HMS Pinafore and Trial by Jury. The Mike Leigh directed `Topsy Turvy' shows what should be possible for an entire version of `The Mikado' and it is only frustrating that the brief excerpts shown during this fascinating biography do not exist in an extended form. This engrossing movie seems to capture the idiosyncrasies of the two main characters perfectly and the fact that some considerable time is spent showing how `Three Little Maids' and `I am the Lord High Executioner' may have been developed, only gives us more opportunity to watch the skill of the actors getting to grips with this quintessentially English opera.

A Few Days in the Life of G&S
This is a time machine back into Mr. Carte's company in London. If you are not acquainted with G&S, you are missing works of art equaled only by Mozart, Verdi, Wagner and Joplin. The big illusion with G&S is that it
is easy; nothing is farther from the truth. This movie puts you into the opera company. Be warned, it is highly addictive!

Undiscovered, Underrated Masterpiece
In my opinion, Topsy-Turvy is one of the best movies of the past 30 years, and what makes it an even more important artistic achievement is that it is still such an unknown and underrated film. Director Mike Leigh brings out the whimsical beauty and genius of Gilbert & Sullivan and charms you into believing that these lovely scenes is what their theater company was like 100 years ago in London. The musical numbers and stage acting inside the movie are wonderfully pleasing, and make you wish that Leigh could film every one of G&S's other plays so we could enjoy them all with equal pleasure. You have to believe that G&S would be happy having Leigh manage all of their modern revivals, Topsy-Turvy makes The Mikado so lovely, exquisite and captivating, that the 3 1/2 hour movie feels like a leisurely slice of heaven. And the glimpses into Gilbert & Sullivan's eccentric private lives illustrate the many facets of both their genius and their capacity for frivolity. All in all, Topsy-Turvy is an exquisite film that didn't get the attention and many accolades it deserved, yet it is a film that must not be missed by any serious film fanatic.