Classic "Theater Talk:" MIKE LEIGH on "Topsy-Turvy" (2000)

The British writer/director discusses his wonderful "backstage" movie TOPSY-TURVY about Gilbert and Sullivan and the difficulties of their collaboration on "The Mikado" in 1884-85.

[@megenberg8]

this man is so humble. topsy turvy is a masterpeice! a brilliant, dazzling, engaging treat and very much more! love it and wish it had been about 2 hours longer! the music is that fantastically performed! the characters intelligent and real... can't say enough for the talent! wow! a stupendous achievement on everyone's part! g & s would be utterly astonished and gratified! GREAT!

[@theatertalk]

Agreed! BTW, Alan Corduner will be the guest on THEATER TALK in 2 weeks. He's in "My Fair Lady" now.

[@vova47]

Topsy Turvy is one of the greatest films and for my money the best movie Mike Leigh has made this far. I keep going back to it from time to time and it only gets better with each viewing.

[@jamessheridan4306]

I recall that the poster for this movie was put up in my local theater MONTHS before it actually opened! Every time I went to a movie I would stalk over to where that poster was and stare in disbelief. And to be so richly rewarded after all that anticipation. Haven't had an experience like that since.

[@Charlesbaker3017]

Anyone who has the slightest experience with the Theatre...know this masterpiece is spot on..brilliant. 👌

[@voraciousreader3341]

One of my top 10 favorite films, period! I also love “Happy Go Lucky,” but “Topsy Turvy” is so special and amazing that I doubt Leigh will ever make a movie I love more!

[@mikewalsh6168]

Mike Leighs movies are wonderful. Have seen Topsy Turvey many times now.

[@execelsior999]

Mike Leigh has made so many great films. This happens to be my favourite. I love the work of Timothy Spall. I was raised on Gilbert and Sullivan and never cared for it, but after seeing this film, I re-listened to the Doly Carte recordings - and these are gems!!!

[@mnels5214]

You can't find a bad performance in this one. Jim Broadbent and Kevin McKidd also gave some of their best work in this, too. What a brilliant film.

[@alhambralions5985]

@@mnels5214 Ageeed. Also, Allan Corduner’s portrayal of Sullivan is one of his best.

[@mnels5214]

@@alhambralions5985 how could I forget to mention him? He was marvelous, too!

[@elizabethsheffield6609]

.......Mike Leigh really explains his work very clearly here and the two interviewers were actually interested in what he said, asking interesting questions. I have only seen the 'french' version of Topsy Turvy here on KZbin which isn't at all helpful so was pleased to hear it explained properly here ;>)

[@richard169]

Topsy-Turvy inspired me to read "Gilbert: His Life and Strife," a slender volume that adds a lot to the background.

[@jamessheridan4306]

You might also enjoy "The Gilbert & Sullivan Book" by Leslie Bailey.

[@spencerreynolds7692]

Great movie

[@henryj.8528]

The film is now on KZbin. Great movie.

[@sircles-net]

What a great interview.

[@trivanannakkarage9893]

I have to say that Mike Leigh's points on arguing as to why he loves cinema more that theatre resonates with all of us who prefer the same.

[@rayfridley6649]

What I would like to see is a stage version of Topsy-Turvy based on this film, presented as a jukebox musical, with most of its music adapted from Sullivan's score.

[@David-ey9jg]

Watch it. You won’t regret it.

[@stewartmac9568]

Theatre Talk:Topsy Turvy.Loved it and creater Mike Leigh!So glad he chose THEATRE TALK for his interview.U.K.Pundits & critics wouldn’t do it justice (excepting Mark Kermode)! They would try to find fault I fear being so privileged and poker in rectum brigade.Ridiculous Opera buffs groan possibly? Thanks.Mac.

[@abrahamgoodgold237]

7

[@JackSarfatti]

Love it!

[@victorymorningstar]

That guy looks like the eminent Dr. Niles Crane, when his eminence was imminent.

[@rgaleny]

I adored it!!!

[@johnprovince5304]

Mike Leigh's relationship with Hollywood is very casual because he performs his magic on closed sets barring interference and intrusion from Studio Execs and Bankers. Its an attitude shared with John Ford and Afred Hitchcock which reportedly worked out okay.

[@harveyatkinson788]

Seems. You're A Real Trooper! amazing live

[@deewesthill6966]

The sound volume is rather low and it's sometimes hard to hear words. Could the video have captioning or a written transcript to follow along?

[@rodroller6634]

One of the things I learned when I went to college was how to enjoy a better quality of entertainment. Now I’d much rather watch movies like Topsy Turvy, Casablanca, Blade Runner, Horse Feathers, Drugstore Cowboy……… I will always be grateful to the friends I made at IU for opening up my palate to a more thought provoking art form than say. Porkys.

[@joaquingimenez3311]

How are you? Marvelous! rightful peace

[@voraciousreader3341]

Lord....the male interviewer is so fatuous and self centered....he literally doesn’t give his co-interviewer a look in, just cuts her off with his really (stupid) observations! I hate to be rude, but he makes me squirm with embarrassment for poor Mike Leigh! I can’t believe his had to sit through this crap!