Mr Burton review – elevated by a dynamic performance

Friday, 4 April 2025 19:55

A gentle, fictionalised foray into stage and screen legend Richard Burton’s Welsh childhood. The post Mr Burton review – elevated by a dynamic performance appeared first on Little White Lies.

On the centenary of actor Richard Burton’s birth, Marc Evans’ biopic Mr Burton provides an engaging retelling of the stage and screen actor’s Welsh upbringing. It also captures the transformative relocation from his mining community roots to Hollywood Hills and the beginning of a life of fame, excess and glamour.

At times it’s a little slow-burn, but situates us in a world that’s aptly hued with gloomy interiors and golden lamplight, simultaneously straddling the disparate words in which he operated. Toby Jones anchors the film as kindly teacher Philip Burton, who takes the burgeoning actor under his wing, providing Richard (nicely played by Harry Lawtey) with a theatrical education.

As alluded to in the title, we’re taken down an intimate journey of mentor and student, father and son, yet the narrative meanders through the thespian’s formative chapters at an occasionally wayward and unhurried pace. Lawtey delivers a dynamic performance considering the big boots of his subject, although the film suffers the expected issue of casting any actor to represent the singular and iconic star.

However, it offers a sincere representation of regionality, framed by rugged Welsh landscapes and also considers the historic (and ongoing) censorship of Celtic language and accents. It’s a bittersweet story, foreshadowed by his descent into alcoholism, yet the film manages to retain a purity of heart that will likely move any Burton fan.

ANTICIPATION.
Any dedication to one of cinema’s finest players is welcomed viewing! 4

ENJOYMENT.
At times a little one-dimensional but elevated by Jones and Lawtey’s heartfelt performances. 3

IN RETROSPECT.
A fascinating examination of Burton’s early life, but perhaps a less entertaining chapter than his tumultuous film-star trajectory. 3

Directed by
Marc Evans

Starring
Lesley Manville, Toby Jones, Harry Lawtey

The post Mr Burton review – elevated by a dynamic performance appeared first on Little White Lies.

More from Movie Reviews

Why is cinema still failing autistic women?

From erasure to fetishisation, it's still rare to see the nuances and lived experiences of autistic people – especially women – on the big screen. The post Why is cinema still failing autistic women? appeared first on Little White Lies.
Sebastian review – bland character study

A young, London-based writer begins a double life as a sex worker in Mikko Mäkelä's queer psychological drama. The post Sebastian review – bland character study appeared first on Little White Lies.
Death of a Unicorn review – goodbye horses, good riddance

Alex Scharfman rallies together a cast stacked with comedic actors, but the result of this dull ‘Eat the Rich’ flick misses the mark. The post Death of a Unicorn review – goodbye horses, good riddance appeared first on Little White Lies.
Four Mothers review – canny crowd-pleaser

Darren Thornton's remake of Mid-August Lunch sees a novelist on the brink of breaking out tasked with caring for his ailing mother and her friends. The post Four Mothers review – canny crowd-pleaser appeared first on Little White Lies.
Last Swim review – fresh blood in British film!

A-Level results day gives way to a compelling look at late teenhood in Sasha Nathani’s London-set debut feature. The post Last Swim review – fresh blood in British film! appeared first on Little White Lies.
Baby Love: Behind the scenes with the company creating realistic maternity props

Producing realistic baby bumps, placentas and prop babies, Cinebaby are working to improve the representation of maternity in film and television. The post Baby Love: Behind the scenes with the company creating realistic maternity props appeared first on Little White Lies.
LWLies 107: The Sinners issue – Out now!

Tool up for an illustrated deep dive into Sinners and the radical blockbuster cinema of Ryan Coogler. The post LWLies 107: The Sinners issue – Out now! appeared first on Little White Lies.
The Woman in the Yard review – forgettable ghostly horror

A grieving family find themselves with an unwanted house guest in the latest underwhelming thriller from journeyman director Jaume Collet-Serra. The post The Woman in the Yard review – forgettable ghostly horror appeared first on Little White Lies.
Animal instincts at the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival

One of the most well-regarded documentary film festivals provides a fascinating insight into the grip that animal stories have over the documentary space. The post Animal instincts at the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival appeared first on Little White Lies.