J.M.W. Turner: a National Gallery of Art Film Presentation 2007
Distributed by Microcinema International/Microcinema DVD, 1636 Bush St., Suite #2, SF, CA 94109; 415-447-9750
Produced by Carol Moore and the Department of Exhibition Programs, National Gallery of Art, Washington
Directed by Carol Moore
DVD, color, 30 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Art, Art History
Date Entered: 04/09/2008
Reviewed by Janis Tyhurst, Reference Librarian, George Fox UniversityThis documentary is an excellent overview of Turner’s artistic work and philosophy. Wonderfully narrated by Jeremy Irons, it is short enough for classroom viewing with time for discussion or lecture afterwards.
J.M.W. Turner is known as the “painter of light” and as he matured, he experimented with color and tonality in his paintings. The emphasis of this documentary is on Turner’s art work, touching on the different stages of development in his art and examining the responses of art critics and supporters to his work. Many examples of his paintings, including Tintern Abbey, Hannibal Crossing the Alps and the burning of Parliament watercolors, are shown and analyzed within the context of the social and historical influences of the times. There is some comparison of Turner’s work with that of other artists, such as the French painter, Poussin. Along with the paintings, there is footage of the locations where Turner traveled for inspiration for his landscape paintings.