We take a look at what is being said about this new film looking at the life of Richard Burton.
The Guardian: *** “heartfelt, vigorously acted, enjoyable, if slightly naive movie.”
The Spectator: “But the film is too devoted and sedate to fly as a cinematic event. It has the feel of a Sunday evening television drama. Nothing wrong with that – although you could just stay home on a Sunday evening and watch television if that’s what you’re after.”
Screen Daily.com: “There is more than enough spark, however, in Lawtey’s performance. It’s always a challenge to take on the mantel of such a beloved real-life figure — particularly one who was larger than life both on- and off-screen — but Lawtey takes care to capture the essence of Richie before he was Richard Burton; a vulnerability that carries through to the beginnings of his fame.”
Filmhounds.co.uk: *** “It’s an inspirational story, in the tradition of My Fair Lady and The Kings Speech, but without the fun of the first or the stakes of the latter. Toby Jones is clearly one of Britain’s most watchable actors and Harry Lawtey does a fine job taking the character from voice-cracking schoolboy to richly-baritone thespian, but the languid slow pace drags.”
The People’s Movies: ** 1/2 “It also suffers from some dubious visuals in the shape of the multiple chimneys at the pits and the steelworks. They dominate the skyline and the message is clear – “You can take the man out of Port Talbot, but you can’t take Port Talbot out of the man” – but their execution is clumsy and unconvincing. In their own way, they sum up the film: the ideas are sound, and the talent promises much, but it falls short of bringing us close to the reality of either of the men at the centre of the story.”
The Upcoming: *** “A competent, largely well-acted bio-drama of Richard Burton’s origins, Mr Burton nonetheless feels too tidy, too polite to properly accommodate its subject. Come its end, one wishes only to take another look at the real thing in his element onscreen, which may add up to a mission accomplished regardless.”
Mr Burton is out in cinemas on the 4th April.