Mike Leigh on the Making of Topsy Turvy and Its Commercial Success

[@elichilton7031]

Topsy Turvey is brilliant. It was one my favorite of his and I always felt he deserved an Oscar nomination for Best Director. One of the great films about the theatre and probably the best film about Gilbert and Sullivan and their art. Mike Leigh is a great filmmaker and to watch his process through the lens of this film is wonderful, especially with the restrictions and discipline of a period piece, compared to something like Secrets and Life Is Sweet.

[@Kimllg88]

magnificent film. realism and great acting of the first order. Viewed multiple times and it keeps revealing more

[@host_theghost507]

This film is in every possible way a joy. I can never grow tired of it. The way it fully inhabits its time, the little nuances of each personality, and of course the magic of G&S, make this one of my desert island movies. I agree with Mr. Tommasini that the salon performance of "The Lost Chord," well, strikes a false chord. Not because I think the piece is trite or sanctimonious, but because Sullivan wrote it after the death of his brother. The real Sullivan wouldn't come bounding up to the piano to play a piece composed in the depths of mourning. But I forgive it because they got the character so right. Sullivan enjoyed being famous and Gilbert hated it, and yet Gilbert was the true spark of magic in the duo. If I could live in a movie, this would be it. Thank you, Mr. Leigh.

[@brendagilson934]

Everything about this movie was 1st class❤

[@Crivitao]

I adore this film. Everyone is cast perfectly! And it was the first time I saw Andy Serkis. I immediately said who is that!

[@raymondzrike]

Thank you for posting this (even if it seems a bit edited-I remember Leigh talking about the Titanic musical?). One of the best Q&As I’ve been to.

[@NoddyTron]

He talks about it briefly at around 31:30

[@thedump1]

20:44 LOL