Mr Burton review – elevated by a dynamic performance

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.