The tagline on the poster of Mr. Burton provides an apt summation of the film’s essence – “some are born great… some are inspired to be great.”  History books chronicle those who have changed the world but not as well known, if at all, are the people behind the scenes who provided them with education, guidance and support.  Whether you’re a researcher trying to cure cancer or an athlete preparing for an upcoming meet, it’s near impossible to achieve one’s goals without help.

He passed away in 1984 at the relatively young age of 58 but Welsh actor Richard Burton had a stellar career.  He received 7 Academy Award nominations for acting across a 25-year period with highlights including Becket, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?  He won a Tony Award for his performance in the musical Camelot and his rocky marriage(s) with Elizabeth Taylor made him a much talked about figure.  He’d be included in any conversation when debating the best actors of the 20^th Century.

Marc Evans’ film is titled Mr Burton but it’s not necessarily referring to the acclaimed actor.  Set in 1942 when Richard was a school student living in a small Welsh village, the focal character is Philip Burton, a teacher with a love for the arts.  He sensed Richard’s passion for acting from an early age and did whatever he could to nurture his talent and open doors.  While it led to Richard’s success, it created problems for both given Philip was a middle-aged gay man, and gossipy townsfolk questioned his true intentions.

It may not answer ever question on audiences’ minds, but Mr. Burton is an interesting true story bolstered by its three lead performances.  As Philip, the softly spoken Toby Jones (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) delicately captures the satisfaction of a teacher moulding his pupil… and the resulting insecurity from their connection.  Harry Lawtey (Industry) steps into the shoes of a young Richard Burton and creates a rough-around-the-edges character who is likeable and ambitious.  Oscar nominee Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) plays Philip’s landlord, a widowed woman who offers sage advice at opportune moments.

Likely to inspire more reading about its subjects (it certainly did for me), Mr. Burton is to be celebrated as a biopic and its bleak depiction of 1940s Wales.  More importantly though, it’s a reminder to reflect on the people in our own lives who have made us who we are today.