Directed By: Joe Wright
Starring: Keira Knightly, Aaron-Taylor Johnson, Jude Law, Kelly MacDonald, Matthew Macfadyen, Domhnall Gleeson
Firstly, I would like to admit that I went into the film knowing nothing about Tolstoy's novel. I actually bought the book a few years back and attempted to read it but failed after about 15 pages. Nonetheless, I was still very excited by the film, as Joe Wright has proven himself to be an excellent director of costume dramas - of which I am a devout fan. But he approached this film a little differently from Pride and Prejudice and Atonement because it's partially set in an theatre and the characters are essentially actors in this elaborate play, which satirises the shallowness of 19th century Russian society. This is good and bad - it is beautiful to watch the creative transition from scene to scene but it seems some think that it's too distracting and takes away from the emotional elements of the storyline.
Casting, in my opinion, was superb. Although some might be turned off by watching Keira Knightly in yet another period piece - I can confidently say that she's amazing in this film. Some might experience a bit of deja vu, as her character sometimes experiences, a little too closely, the one that she plays in the The Duchess. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who I've seen in Albert Nobbs is also great as Vronsky but some believe that his boyish charm did not fit his maturity in the book. It was strange seeing Jude Law not play, not only the male lead in a film, but the unattractive male character. But he pulls it off well and almost makes us believe that he can be unattractive.
The plot is, simply put, a love affair gone wrong and the danger of human emotion. Of course there are other themes of alienation, oppression, marriage and religion. Levin, played by Domhnall Gleeson, is the rational, balance to all of this - as his personal discovery allows him to overcome the shallow and often meaningless pursuits of the other characters.
Some scenes are done in a very artistic manner and very Joe Wright. There is a ballroom/dance scene that seems to have been taken right out of Pride and Prejudice. Appropriate that Matthew McFadyen is in this film as well. It was all very fitting in the theatrical style of the filming. Not to say that there was over-acting, but the director was clear in guiding the audience to feel a certain way throughout. I think it's valid to say that it possibly lacks the emotional depth of past adaptations and fails to live up to the complexity of Tolstoy's work - but then again, what film can live up to the written word? It is immensely enjoyable and engaging for what it is - a modern adaption. I personally loved Wright's unique interpretation. Lastly, I must comment on the costumes - which were almost always breathtaking and immaculate.
Here are some stills from the film.
My Rating: 4/5
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