Topsy-Turvy 1999
Directed by
Mike Leigh
Made by
October Films
Plot Summary
On the opening night of Princess Ida at the Savoy Theatre in January 1884, the renowned composer Sir Arthur Sullivan (Jim Broadbent), who is suffering from kidney disease, struggles to reach the theatre in time to conduct. Hoping that taking a holiday on the continent will benefit his health, Sullivan takes some time off. However, during his absence, the sales of tickets and attendance at the Savoy Theatre dwindle under the oppressive summer heat. Producer Richard D’Oyly Carte finds himself in a difficult position, having called upon both Sullivan and dramatist W. S. Gilbert to create a new production for the Savoy, but unfortunately, their new work is not ready when Ida concludes. As a temporary solution, Carte decides to revive an earlier work by Gilbert and Sullivan, The Sorcerer.
As Gilbert begins crafting ideas for their next opera, he proposes a magical lozenge that transforms its users. Yet, Sullivan feels this idea is overly reminiscent of the magic potion and various other supernatural elements utilized in their previous operas, making it feel mechanical. Constrained by the expectations of the British music establishment to produce more serious compositions, Sullivan yearns for something “probable,” focusing on “human interest” and eschewing the reliance on magic. Gilbert, however, believes his libretto is sound and stubbornly refuses to create a new one, leading to a creative impasse.
The friction is finally resolved after Gilbert and his wife attend a popular exhibition of Japanese arts and crafts in Knightsbridge, London. A moment of inspiration strikes when a katana sword he acquires unexpectedly tumbles from the wall of his study. This incident sparks his imagination, leading him to craft a libretto set in exotic Japan. Sullivan embraces this fresh concept and eagerly agrees to compose the accompanying music.
The trio of Gilbert, Sullivan, and Carte immerse themselves in the preparations to ensure The Mikado becomes a triumph. A flurry of activity ensues as scenes of rehearsals and behind-the-scenes stresses unfold: cast members enjoy lunch together while attempting to negotiate their salaries. Gilbert seeks assistance from Japanese girls at the exhibition to coach the ladies’ chorus in authentic movements and fan techniques. The main cast undergoes costume fittings, created by the talented C. Wilhelm. Tension rises when the cast disputes Gilbert’s intended cut of the titular character’s Act Two solo, “A more humane Mikado,” ultimately persuading him to restore it.
As the long-awaited premiere approaches, the actors experience first-night nerves in their dressing rooms. Finally, after much anticipation, The Mikado is set to open. True to form, Gilbert’s nerves get the best of him, causing him to pace outside instead of watching the performance. After a nerve-wracking wait, he returns to the theatre to discover that the new opera is a resounding success.
Timeline
Opening Night of Princess Ida
In January 1884, the highly anticipated opening night of *Princess Ida* takes place at the Savoy Theatre. Renowned composer Sir Arthur Sullivan is suffering from kidney disease and struggles to arrive on time to conduct this significant event.
Sullivan Takes a Holiday
In an effort to improve his health, Sullivan decides to take some time off on the continent following the opening night of *Princess Ida*. However, his absence results in dwindling ticket sales and attendance at the Savoy Theatre, compounding the pressure on producer Richard D'Oyly Carte.
Pressure on Richard D'Oyly Carte
With Sullivan on holiday and the new production not ready, producer Richard D'Oyly Carte faces a dilemma. He has called upon both Sullivan and dramatist W. S. Gilbert for a new work, but with *Princess Ida* wrapping up, he decides to revive an earlier Gilbert and Sullivan collaboration, *The Sorcerer*.
Creative Impasse
As Gilbert begins to create a new opera, he proposes a concept involving a magical lozenge. Sullivan, however, is reluctant, feeling that it closely mirrors their previous works and prefers something with more human interest, leading to a creative standstill between the two.
A Moment of Inspiration
The friction between Gilbert and Sullivan is broken when they attend an exhibition of Japanese arts and crafts. An unexpected incident occurs when a katana sword falls from the wall, igniting Gilbert's imagination and leading him to create a libretto set in exotic Japan.
A New Concept Embraced
With Gilbert's new Japanese-themed idea, Sullivan is inspired and excited to compose the music for the libretto. This marks a turning point for both artists as they begin to collaborate on what will become one of their most famous works, *The Mikado*.
Preparations for The Mikado
As the trio of Gilbert, Sullivan, and Carte dives into the preparations for *The Mikado*, the atmosphere becomes bustling with activity. Rehearsals begin, cast members negotiate their salaries, and plans are made to ensure that the new opera is a hit.
Cultural Coaching
Seeking authenticity for the ladies' chorus, Gilbert enlists the help of Japanese girls from the exhibition to teach the cast movements and fan techniques. This important step adds depth and realism to the upcoming performance.
Costume Fittings
The main cast of *The Mikado* undergoes exciting costume fittings designed by the talented C. Wilhelm. These extraordinary costumes play a crucial role in bringing the characters and the Japanese setting to life on stage.
Dispute Over Character Solo
Tension mounts within the cast regarding Gilbert's decision on a cut for the Act Two solo, “A more humane Mikado.” After a spirited discussion, Gilbert ultimately agrees to restore the solo, satisfying the cast's concerns just before the premiere.
First Night Nerves
As the premiere night draws near, the actors experience a wave of nerves back in their dressing rooms. Gilbert, overwhelmed by anxiety, opts to pace outside rather than watch the performance, a familiar behavior during high-stress moments.
The Premier Performance
Finally, all the hard work culminates as *The Mikado* premieres to an eager audience. After a suspenseful waiting period, Gilbert returns to the theatre to learn that the show has received a rousing reception.
A Resounding Success
The premiere of *The Mikado* turns out to be a major success, solidifying the collaboration between Gilbert and Sullivan. This achievement marks a significant moment in the history of operetta and their artistic partnership.
Characters
Sir Arthur Sullivan (Jim Broadbent)
A renowned composer facing health struggles, Sullivan is depicted as dedicated yet conflicted about his artistic direction. He grapples with the expectations of the musical establishment while longing to create more human-centered works, making him a sympathetic figure in the narrative. His willingness to embrace new ideas ultimately drives the success of their collaboration.
W. S. Gilbert
Gilbert is characterized by his stubbornness and creative passion as he engages in a cycle of inspiration and frustration with Sullivan. His initial resistance to consider new ideas highlights the struggles of artistic collaboration. However, his eventual embrace of Japanese culture leads to a breakthrough in their work, showcasing his adaptability.
Richard D'Oyly Carte
The producer, D'Oyly Carte, serves as a mediator in the creative conflict. He is under significant pressure to deliver a new show, showcasing the often-unseen challenges faced by those behind the scenes. His resourcefulness in reviving earlier works demonstrates his dedication to the success of the Savoy Theatre and Gilbert and Sullivan.
Setting
Time period
January 1884
The movie is set in the late Victorian era, a period marked by remarkable cultural achievements and advancements in the arts. It was a time when the British Empire was at its height, with a growing interest in foreign cultures, particularly Japan, leading to a fusion of traditional Western narratives with Eastern aesthetics.
Location
Savoy Theatre, London, Japan
The Savoy Theatre in London is a historic venue known for its lavish productions and significant role in the development of musical theatre. It hosted the premiere of several famous works by Gilbert and Sullivan, including 'The Mikado.' Japan is depicted through an exotic lens, representing cultural fascination and artistic inspiration during the late 19th century.
Themes
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Creativity
The theme of creativity is central to the film, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of artists in generating new ideas. The friction between Gilbert and Sullivan about the direction of their opera reflects the creative process, where differing visions can lead to both conflict and collaboration. Ultimately, this theme showcases the power of inspiration and the joy of artistic creation.
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Cultural Exchange
The story embodies cultural exchange, particularly through the incorporation of Japanese elements in the opera 'The Mikado.' This theme illustrates how exposure to diverse cultures can ignite creativity and enhance artistic expression. The fascination with Japanese arts reflects a broader trend of the era, where Western artists began to explore and adapt foreign influences.
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Time and Pressure
The theme of time and pressure is evident as the characters rush to produce a successful opera amid personal and professional challenges. The looming premiere emphasizes the urgency faced by artists to deliver quality work, showcasing how pressure can both motivate and hinder creativity. This tension between deadline and innovation is a universal experience in the arts.
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