Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Mr. Turner is a period biopic about acclaimed English painter J.M.W. Turner, whose landscapes helped pave the way for the Impressionist movement. Director Mike Leigh focuses on Turner's (Timothy Spall) last few decades, revealing the depths of his talent and his complicated personal life. Characters in this engrossing but slow-moving film often drink wine and sometimes smoke (accurate for the era), and some scenes include sex, with a naked thrusting backside. For all his talent, Turner isn't a particularly admirable character, but the film's message about being true to your art is worth thinking about.

Sexual Content

Turner occasionally has sex with his housekeeper. The encounters aren't especially erotic; his desire seems more primal and animalistic. Viewers see his naked backside thrusting with vigor. He also spends some time in brothels, but -- at least in the film -- it's mostly to find women who will pose nude for him to paint.

Violence

Not applicable

Language

Brief profanity includes "damn" and "ass."

Social Behavior

It's important to be true to your art, even if it's not immediately appreciated. Attempting to create art solely to please the general public will invariably lead to trite, insignificant work.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Several scenes feature people drinking wine and occasionally smoking a pipe.