Hard as it may be to believe, the biggest problem with "Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina" is that it isn't long enough.
Abbreviated versions of classic novels were the norm during Hollywood's Golden Age, of course; the 1935 version starring Greta Garbo ran only 95 minutes. But in this time of epic BBC miniseries adaptations, as well as films such as "The English Patient" running well over 21Ú2 hours, this condensed version of Tolstoy's classic love story feels sketchy and undeveloped at a mere 110 minutes, even considering today's short attention spans.
Still, it is a handsome and well-acted period drama that should do respectable business in the States and internationally.
The gorgeous Sophie Marceau assumes the title role of the married Russian noblewoman whose love for the dashing military officer Count Vronsky (Sean Bean) brings tragic consequences. Alfred Molina plays Levin, whose own troubled relationship with Kitty (Mia Kirshner), a young and beautiful society girl, eventually reaches a depth of happiness that proves forever elusive to Anna and the count.
Director and screenwriter Bernard Rose, whose last effort was the Beethoven biopic "Immortal Beloved", clearly has a feel for classic material and period pieces, and he infuses this adaptation with intelligence, clarity and sensitivity. Although the film lacks the kind of fiery intensity that would help it achieve real distinction, neither does it pander for the sake of sensationalism.
The single biggest problem is that, by trying to encompass so much material in a brief running time, the story line seems truncated and the characters fail to achieve full depth. Too often, this seems like a "Classics Illustrated" version of the novel.
Another problem is that Marceau and Bean, although they are both striking, don't have the necessary charisma to sweep the audience into their characters' emotional maelstrom. Much better is the always reliable Molina, who infuses his characterization with a depth of feeling and a subtle wit.
James Fox, who plays Anna's cuckolded husband, superbly conveys his character's dignity and deep feelings of humiliation. Other standouts in supporting roles include Danny Huston (John's son), in his first major role, as Anna's wastrel brother, and acclaimed British actress Fiona Shaw as his wife.
Technically, the film is not to be faulted, particularly the beautiful wide-screen lensing by Daryn Okada of the many Russian locations and the excellently chosen musical score of Russian classical pieces, performed by the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Georg Solti.
Leo Tolstoy's ANNA KARENINA
Warner Bros.
Director-screenplay Bernard Rose
Producer Bruce Davey
Executive producer Steve McEveety
Director of photography Daryn Okada
Editor Victor Du Bois
Production designer John Myhre
Color/stereo
Cast:
Anna Karenina Sophie Marceau
Count Vronsky Sean Bean
Constantin Levin Alfred Molina
Kitty Scherbatsky Mia Kirshner
Alexi Karenin James Fox
Stiva Danny Huston
Dolly Saskia Wickham
Lydia Ivanova Fiona Shaw
Running time -- 110 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
Abbreviated versions of classic novels were the norm during Hollywood's Golden Age, of course; the 1935 version starring Greta Garbo ran only 95 minutes. But in this time of epic BBC miniseries adaptations, as well as films such as "The English Patient" running well over 21Ú2 hours, this condensed version of Tolstoy's classic love story feels sketchy and undeveloped at a mere 110 minutes, even considering today's short attention spans.
Still, it is a handsome and well-acted period drama that should do respectable business in the States and internationally.
The gorgeous Sophie Marceau assumes the title role of the married Russian noblewoman whose love for the dashing military officer Count Vronsky (Sean Bean) brings tragic consequences. Alfred Molina plays Levin, whose own troubled relationship with Kitty (Mia Kirshner), a young and beautiful society girl, eventually reaches a depth of happiness that proves forever elusive to Anna and the count.
Director and screenwriter Bernard Rose, whose last effort was the Beethoven biopic "Immortal Beloved", clearly has a feel for classic material and period pieces, and he infuses this adaptation with intelligence, clarity and sensitivity. Although the film lacks the kind of fiery intensity that would help it achieve real distinction, neither does it pander for the sake of sensationalism.
The single biggest problem is that, by trying to encompass so much material in a brief running time, the story line seems truncated and the characters fail to achieve full depth. Too often, this seems like a "Classics Illustrated" version of the novel.
Another problem is that Marceau and Bean, although they are both striking, don't have the necessary charisma to sweep the audience into their characters' emotional maelstrom. Much better is the always reliable Molina, who infuses his characterization with a depth of feeling and a subtle wit.
James Fox, who plays Anna's cuckolded husband, superbly conveys his character's dignity and deep feelings of humiliation. Other standouts in supporting roles include Danny Huston (John's son), in his first major role, as Anna's wastrel brother, and acclaimed British actress Fiona Shaw as his wife.
Technically, the film is not to be faulted, particularly the beautiful wide-screen lensing by Daryn Okada of the many Russian locations and the excellently chosen musical score of Russian classical pieces, performed by the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Georg Solti.
Leo Tolstoy's ANNA KARENINA
Warner Bros.
Director-screenplay Bernard Rose
Producer Bruce Davey
Executive producer Steve McEveety
Director of photography Daryn Okada
Editor Victor Du Bois
Production designer John Myhre
Color/stereo
Cast:
Anna Karenina Sophie Marceau
Count Vronsky Sean Bean
Constantin Levin Alfred Molina
Kitty Scherbatsky Mia Kirshner
Alexi Karenin James Fox
Stiva Danny Huston
Dolly Saskia Wickham
Lydia Ivanova Fiona Shaw
Running time -- 110 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
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