Shadows on the Wall

Mr. Burton

dir Marc Evans
scr Tom Bullough, Josh Hyams
prd Josh Hyams, Trevor Matthews, Ed Talfan, Hannah Thomas
with Toby Jones, Harry Lawtey, Lesley Manville, Aimee-Ffion Edwards, Aneurin Barnard, Steffan Rhodri, Daniel Evans, Hannah New, Carys Bowkett, Osian Morgan, Mali O'Donnell, Richard Elfyn
release UK 4.Apr.25
25/UK BBC 2h04

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With a fascinating narrative, this biopic traces a momentous period in the young life of Richard Burton. Exploring how talent requires nurturing, the film also touches knowingly on issues of fame, personal demons and how no one makes it on their own. Director Marc Evans softens the story's edges with a painterly period design and the expected narrative beats. But Toby Jones' central performance carries a powerful emotional kick.

In 1942 Port Talbot, teen Richie Jenkins (Lawtey) disrupts the English class taught by Philip Burton (Jones), perhaps due to being raised by an unapologetically drunk single dad (Rhodri). Now living with his sister Cis (Edwards) and her husband Elfed (Barnard), Richie has to drop out of school to work, but Philip fights for him to return, because he shows promise as an unusually intelligent actor. So Richie moves alongside Philip in the boarding house run by Ma Smith (Manville), developing his acting skills. And his bigger challenge is to deal with his personal demons.

Because he was destined to be a coal miner like his dad, Richie's story is compelling, especially as he discovers acting and changes his life's trajectory against the odds. The path to his breakthrough performance eight years later plays out in a relatively standard movie plot structure, including obstacles, fallouts and lots of excessive drinking. This is a straightened-out take on Richard Burton's actual life story, and it feels like it leans into a certain mythology about the great actor.

Jones gives a hugely committed performance that works on a variety of levels, combining humour, passion and empathy to make Philip a beautifully rounded character. His warm and sparky friendship with the wonderful Manville's Ma is delightful to watch. And he finds strong chemistry with Lawtey as well. There are moments when Lawtey seems to be creating an oddly broad caricature, but these are deepened by more internalised scenes. And the film's final section, when Richie masters his voice, is vividly played.

The formulaic storytelling makes the film feel overlong as it moves through various chapters to the expected conclusion. But issues continually arise that resonate strongly, as the relationship between Philip and Richie takes on deeper meanings relating to mentorship, fatherhood and mutual inspiration. To add further colour, the script also touches on attitudes from the period that give us something to think about, even if these things are dealt with rather offhandedly. Most importantly, this film reminds us how even the most towering artist can come from the earthiest background.

themes, language, violence 26.Feb.25

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