MR BURTON is a handsomely made, restrained, and surprisingly moving film about the creation of iconic actor Richard Burton. When we meet him he is actually called Richie Jenkins. He is a lanky school kid in a poor Welsh mining town, living with his beloved sister and her husband. He shows some talent in school, but his first love is probably rugby, and he is forced to leave at school 16 and look for work. And there might have been the end of Richie Jenkin's story were it not for an earnest and closeted English literature teacher called Mr Burton who fought for Richie to come back to school, to enter the RAF which in turn got him to Oxford University and thence to the Royal Shakespeare Company. Mr Burton gave Richie his love of literature but also sloughed off his rough edges - whether his manners of his accent. By the end of the film the lanky kid is now a handsome young man with that iconic deep resonant voice. He is the finest actor of his generation and perhaps of all time. But he remains riddled with demons and is already drinking heavily. In a late scene he turns his wrath on his mentor, Hal to Mr Burton's Falstaff, but they cannot part. It's a slow build to the only physical contact they will share. An acknowledgment that an adoption and name-change of convenience belie true paternity and care. It's a desperately moving moment.
Director Marc Evans (HUNKY DORY) handles all of this with elegance and assurance. A final act set around the theatre is beautifully put together - lighting, editing, score. And I also loved the screenplay by Tom Bullough and Josh Hyams. They never skirt the question of what Mr Burton's motives were but leave a lot unsaid, as befitting of the sexual mores of the time. This suppression sets up the final act explosion of intense anger from Richie. Which brings me to the superb performances that anchor this film. Aimee-Ffion Edward and Aneurin Barnard are impressive in small but important roles as Richie's sister and brother-in-law. Lesley Manville and Toby Jones are - as ever - impeccable as "Ma" and Mr Burton. But it's Industry's Harry Lawtey who truly impresses, turning from unsure boy into cocky but troubled man, and all while capturing Richard Burton's shifting accent and elocution. It is quite the performance and I hope it gets the recognition it deserves.
MR BURTON has a running time of 124 minutes, is rated 12, and was released in the UK in April.
