The Last Station focuses on Leo Tolstoy’s final, troubled days. At the height of his fame, the writer finds himself torn between the conflicting imperatives of his private life and marriage, on the one hand, and his public profile and philosophies on the other. This largely unfamiliar true story is brought to life by an exceptional cast, including Christopher Plummer and Helen Mirren, as the husband and wife at centre of the storm.
A renowned novelist, Tolstoy was also revered during his lifetime as almost a prophet. The Cult of Tolstoy was headed by Vladimir Chertkov (played here by Paul Giamatti), a passionate advocator of Tolstoy’s principles of non-violence and collective ownership. When Tolstoy decides he wants to relinquish copyright over his entire body of work, his wife, Countess Sofya, is horrified. As the arguing between husband and wife intensifies, Chertkov hires the young idealist Valentin (James McAvoy) to be Tolstoy’s personal assistant – and covertly spy on the Countess.
The film’s themes are explored through two relationships - the 48 year marriage of Tolstoy and Sofya, and the blossoming romance of Valentin and Masha (Kerry Condon), a fellow Tolstoyan. How does a blue-blooded writer practice anarchism? How committed to his ideals can Valentin be once he is in-love?
Plummer and Mirren’s chemistry on screen is electric. They’re a couple unable to live with or without each other. Giamatti brings a wonderful menace to the film mixing fervour with devious cunning. McAvoy yet again plays a committed and wide-eyed character, who loses his innocence - a part that suits him well.
Although this sumptuous period drama foreshadows communism, many viewers might find they would have liked a bit more historical nitty gritty to go with the beautiful settings and costumes.
3.5/5
A renowned novelist, Tolstoy was also revered during his lifetime as almost a prophet. The Cult of Tolstoy was headed by Vladimir Chertkov (played here by Paul Giamatti), a passionate advocator of Tolstoy’s principles of non-violence and collective ownership. When Tolstoy decides he wants to relinquish copyright over his entire body of work, his wife, Countess Sofya, is horrified. As the arguing between husband and wife intensifies, Chertkov hires the young idealist Valentin (James McAvoy) to be Tolstoy’s personal assistant – and covertly spy on the Countess.
The film’s themes are explored through two relationships - the 48 year marriage of Tolstoy and Sofya, and the blossoming romance of Valentin and Masha (Kerry Condon), a fellow Tolstoyan. How does a blue-blooded writer practice anarchism? How committed to his ideals can Valentin be once he is in-love?
Plummer and Mirren’s chemistry on screen is electric. They’re a couple unable to live with or without each other. Giamatti brings a wonderful menace to the film mixing fervour with devious cunning. McAvoy yet again plays a committed and wide-eyed character, who loses his innocence - a part that suits him well.
Although this sumptuous period drama foreshadows communism, many viewers might find they would have liked a bit more historical nitty gritty to go with the beautiful settings and costumes.
3.5/5
Published in The Brag 29/03/10
