Mr Burton

As a film and theatre lover I would never miss a biopic about a famous actor, and so I knew I would enjoy Mr. Burton. But it turned out that the best thing about the film for me was the story of Mr. Philip Burton, the teacher, not so much the story of Richard Burton, the famous actor. Philip Burton wrote a book about his memories of Richard Jenkins (as he then was) and the narrative seems to be largely true, though fudged here and there. There is much to admire about Mr. Burton's teaching methods, and even more to admire about Toby Jones' acting which was completely flawless. Lesley Manville as the housekeeper was also excellent, though we didn't see much of her. Harry Lawtey was less successful as Richard Burton, perhaps because the script required him to change too rapidly from a quiet schoolboy to a rebellious and difficult adult. The first part of the film was somewhat slow and the use of AI technology to provide supposed landscapes of Welsh countryside really grated on me, but the interiors were effective.

At the risk of sounding like a Seinfeld episode, I'm forced to say, "Not that there's anything wrong with that..." This would have been a solid 8 if it hadn't been for the forced inclusion of the implied homosexuallity current that ran throughout the second half of the film. It wasn't necessary, had no bearing on the biographical aspect of the movie, and was simply innuendo that was never addressed by either Philip nor Richard Burton.

Rumors. And they just HAD to incorporate it to be what? Socially relevlant?

It didn't ruin an otherwise excellent film, but it certainly didn't help it, either.

Just completely unnecessary.

I didn't know what I was expecting from this film, but It is absolutely superb.

At first I wasn't sure that Harry Lawtey as Burton had the presence needed for such a huge role, by then end I was wondering if he may well win an Oscar for his performance.

Also starring Toby Jones and Lesley Manville, two of the finest actors around and both as excellent as expected, although Manville slightly underused in my opinion.

Rounding out a superb cast are Anuerin Barnard and Aimee-Ffion Edwards again both excellent.

Knowing the story of old It's a true life feel good movie showing how having belief in someone with no agenda pays off handsomely and is very inspiring.

The scenes in Taibach, Port Talbot and surrounding areas are fascinating to see how they've caught that moment in time with the steelworks spewing out the pollution that so blighted the landscape.

The best film i've seen in a long time and is a must see.

We did not know what to expect with this film. We watched it in a little cinema in South Wales to set the scene.

The casting was spot on. Lesley Toby and Harry are superb, there is no over acting, everyone's accents are just right.

The directing and atmosphere is all you ever want. Such a lovely experience. Would honestly have been a score of 10/10 if the distant scenery and Port Talbot cgi was of a much higher standard. But all in all a very big Thank You.

Did I say Lesley Toby and Harry are superb, no over acting, accents are just right. The directing and atmosphere is all you ever want. Such a lovely experience. Would have been 10/10 if scenery and Port Talbot cgi was a higher standard. But Thank You.

My Review- Mr Burton My Rating 8/10 In Cinemas now

This interesting and insightful movie concerns the early life in Wales of Richard Burton up till his acclaimed stage debut in 1951 at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre at Stratford in plays that included Henry IV, Part 1, Henry IV, Part 2, and Henry V, as part of the Festival of Britain .

The Mr Burton in the title was Philip Burton Richard's friend and tutor and later foster father played brilliantly by Toby Jones .

The movie opens with a quote from Elizabeth Taylor who said, "Without Philip Burton, there would have been no Richard.

With a very good screenplay written by Tom Bullough and Josh Hyams Mr Burton is skilfully directed by Marc Evans . The story begins with the then young Richard Jenkins mid school years in Wales .

Richard Jenkins who with the tutelage and encouragement of his teacher Philip Burton wins a scholarship exam for admission into Port Talbot Secondary School in March 1937 and passed it.

Philip Burton is a quiet sensitive man who boards with his delightful landlady and friend Ma Smith played with such charm by Leslie Manville .

Philip is passionate about stage acting and is instrumental in starting an amateur acting studio in Port Talbot .

His protege Richard's raw emotional and natural talent is obvious to Philip even though his pupils rough Welsh accent and lack of experience poses problems in the beginning.

Young British actor Harry Lawtey is excellent in the role of Richard Jenkins who later for professional reasons takes the name of his teacher Philip Burton.

Actor Harry Lawtey skilfully develops in manner and has an uncanny appearance to the young Richard Burton.

He transforms from the rough diamond son of an alcoholic father who gives his son consent to change his name once he's paid fifty pounds by Philip Burton then accuses Richard of being a poofter .

It soon becomes obvious that the actor now Richard Burton on the eve of great stage fame has inherited the alcohol problem that many famous Welsh actors including Peter O'Toole, Anthony Hopkins and Richard Harris experienced.

His unpredictable tantrums while under the influence of alcohol would haunt his life until his premature death aged only 58 years old in 1984.

Richard Burton is one of an elite club of great movie actors who although nominated seen times for an Academy Award amazingly never won an Oscar .

Mr Burton is a fine independent movie produced by BBC Wales probably on a very limited budget which probably explains the at times very obvious CGI sets however the cast is superb and I'm certain that any movie buff will enjoy Mr Burton .