Diane and I wanted to see this story about the last days of Leo Tolstoy and his wife for months. Finally, we watched the movie and came away with mixed responses. There’s no doubt that Christopher Plummer (as Tolstoy) and Helen Mirren (as Countess Sofya Tolstoy) throw themselves into their roles. Their 48-year marriage is stormy and coming apart as Tolstoy cares less about his writing novels and more about his Utopian vision of Russia. Paul Giamatti plays the scheming Vladimir Chertkov who manipulates the ancient Tolstoy to build a commune. Kerry Condon as the sexy Masha steals every scene she’s in. Patrick Kennedy plays the naive secretary, Sergeyenko. Director Michael Hoffman’s pacing of this film is a bit slow. The story is sad. GRADE: B-
This one completely slipped under my (admittedly not too efficient) radar. I’m not sure, from your description, if it’s one I want to see, but I appreciate you bringing it to my attention.
Christopher Plummer and Helen Mirren are excellent in this film, Rick. But the subject matter is depressing.
It’s one we missed in Florida when we were doing all the Oscar nominated movies. I figure it can wait for HBO or Showtime.
I am a big Mirren fan.
I’m a big Mirren fan, too, Jeff. Diane and I saw this at a small cinema center for $2 each! What a deal!
No FFb summing up this week? You said Patti would do it, but it’s not there…
Patti said she would handle the FFB SUMMING UP, Rick. Maybe Patti and Phil are just having tons of fun.