Mike Leigh is an English writer and director of films and theatre plays. He is known for making films that are very realistic, and show the true picture of the working class lifestyle. His style is more improvised than script-based, and he has gained critical acclaim for most of his work.
He wrote and directed Topsy Turvy in'99. It is a musical drama about the creation of Gilbert and of Sullivan, The Mikado in'84 and'85. The film revolves around the conflict between a playwright, and composer and the way the two continued their creative journey despite the problems. The film was acclaimed for being very artistic, and creative. It is a true depiction of Victorian society, and touches on some sensitive issues such as drug abuse, abortion, and marital problems.
Along with the New York Film Critics Circle, Topsy Turvy also managed to grab the Best Picture award by the National Society of Film Critics in the year'99. In case of Academy Awards, it won Best Costume Design and Best Makeup awards, and was nominated for the Best Art Direction as well as the Best Original Screenplay awards. At the BAFTA Awards, the film won the Best Makeup and Hair awards.
In addition, Topsy Turvy grabbed the award for the Best Picture of'99, both by the New York Film Critics and the National Society of Film Critics. Also, it won Academy Awards in the dimension of costume design and makeup, along with being nominated for the Best Art Direction and the Best Original Screenplay. Another award was the BAFTA award for the Best Makeup and hair.
Besides the story, it is the makeup in the movie that steals the limelight. This highlight was well-received when the movie was awarded accolades (Academy and BAFTA) in this very context. Christine Blundell and Trefor Proud were the makeup artists for Topsy Turvy. As it is, makeup is one of the prime determinants in the art of filmmaking. In case of disharmony between the character, situation and makeup, the impact remains incomplete and forced. Quality makeup does wonders to the overall effect.
Music is another vital factor that plays a part in enhancing the overall impact of the film. This goes in the maintenance of harmony between the music of the movie and the styling and costumes that go with the characters. As mentioned before, the makeup has been very effective in emphasizing the feel of the characters. Though exaggerated at times, it accents the mood of the film.
The movie has an overall feeling of grandeur, which is complimented by the expressive makeup. The makeup in the movie has been done keeping in mind that it is based in the Victorian Era. Thus, the styling is depicted exactly how it was in that period. There has been enormous attention given to details, which is the reason behind its perfection.
In short, makeup and costumes give a breathtaking air to the execution context, not to mention the designs of the sets transport you to a magical nirvana of indulgence and pleasure, once you see it. There is no doubt about how enjoyable the movie is going to be, especially for the people having an aesthetic taste.
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