Narrated by Jude Law, this documentary offers a straightforward profile of the life and career of Scottish sculptor and painter William Turnbull. Born in the working-class city of Dundee in 1922, Turnbull had to drop out of school during the Great Depression, but this proved to be a blessing in disguise because he found employment as a magazine illustrator and thus gained artistic training while helping to support his family. When World War II broke out, Turnbull enlisted in the Royal Air Force—only, he later explained, to avoid the horrors of trench warfare—and, again, the choice had a beneficial effect: his aerial views of the topography of Europe would later inspire his innovative abstract paintings. Postwar studies in Paris introduced Turnbull to influential sculptors such as Alberto Giacometti and Constantin Brâncusi, while his own fame would rise thanks to a 1950 exhibition at London's Hanover Gallery, and through his inclusion in Britain's entry to the 1952 Venice Biennale. Co-directed by Pete Stern and the artist's son, Alex Turnbull, Beyond Time gives the impression that success came effortlessly for Turnbull; unfortunately, that lack of drama results in a slightly dull presentation. Still, Turnbull has plenty of fans; interspersed among the archival and contemporary footage and stills are glowing comments from a parade of artists, curators, and experts. Turnbull himself also appears in interviews, coming across as a charming, soft-spoken man who only casually acknowledges the impact he has had on contemporary art. A strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)
Beyond Time: William Turnbull
(2011) 64 min. DVD: $24.95 ($149 w/PPR). Microcinema International (avail. from: <a href="http://www.microcinema.com/">www.microcinema.com</a>). December 3, 2012
Beyond Time: William Turnbull
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