Topsy Turvy.

I really enjoyed the viewing of Topsy Turvy. The movie, although on some points fictional, gave me insight into Gilbert and Sullivan’s working relationship as well as social aspects of the Victorian Era. I had no idea that Gilbert came up with the idea for The Mikado after attending a Japanese exhibition. The exhibition itself was fascinating, as it was clear to me that the Japanese presented their culture in a way that Victorians would find exotic: women pouring green tea, dramatic stage productions with no translation, and sword fighting. If today’s Americans had an exhibition in Victorian England, there would have been women serving hamburgers, American Idol singers, and football games. It is interesting to me that the Victorians only sought to explore Japanese culture within the context of an exhibition, in which the Japanese were on display. Even within  the context of The Mikado, Japanese culture is put on show. The movie portrays Gilbert as aiming for an authentic portrayal of Japanese culture. There are two long scenes in the male and female fitting rooms of the Savoy that depict the English actors’ disgust/hesitancy with Japanese dress. A hemline that falls above the knee? No corset? These scenes portray the English attitude toward foreign culture. The film insinuates that the English are interested in exploring other cultures but not entirely embracing them. The English clearly have a superiority complex.

            Although Gilbert’s relationship with his wife was not portrayed accurately in the movie, the strained relationship contrasted with Sullivan’s sexually adventurous lifestyle shed light on Victorian relationships. Gilbert’s wife, although often overlooked, seemed comfortable with her place. The only mention of Mrs. Gilbert’s unhappiness is when she conveys her ideas for Gilbert’s next play. Even in this scenario the only way Mrs. Gilbert can address her relationship is through the parameters of a theater production. This mode of communication seems so Victorian to me, to talk about something that is bothering you without actually talking about what is bothering you. Sullivan’s mistress also made an impression on me. She projected herself as an empowered woman, yet she was flitting around with a man who visited French brothels and did not seem to take her seriously. Topsy Turvy’s social implications give the viewer a portrayal of Gilbert and Sullivan’s history within the context of larger Victorian issues.