The Last Station
Though most people feel that it's Russian literatures excruciatingly long narratives that make it impossible to read, I feel that it's the fact that they're written in Russian that makes them so unreadable. Fortunately, English-speaking performers are acting out these final days of famed Russian author Leo Tolstoy's life.
Russia 1910: Aspiring writer Valetine Bulgakov (James McAvoy) is hired by Vladimir Chertkov (Paul Giamatti) to work for his idol, Leo Tolstoy (Christopher Plummer), at his country estate. In addition to transcribing Tolstoy's thoughts, Valetine is also order to surreptitiously record everything that Tolstoy's passionate yet volatile wife (Helen Mirren) has to say about her idealistic husband's controversial will, which will make his work public domain upon his death, leaving his family destitute. Caught in the crossfire of the two lovers, Valetine follows their lead by getting mixed up with a fellow fiery Tolstoy follower.
While the tumultuous and impassioned relationship between the Tolstoys is a wonder to watch, especially the manic performance of Helen Mirren, the supplementary love story between the younger couple is somewhat superfluous.
Furthermore, despite their impassive personalities, Russians are as emotional as any human being, save for the fact that they cry tears made of vodka. (Green Light)
Though most people feel that it's Russian literatures excruciatingly long narratives that make it impossible to read, I feel that it's the fact that they're written in Russian that makes them so unreadable. Fortunately, English-speaking performers are acting out these final days of famed Russian author Leo Tolstoy's life.
Russia 1910: Aspiring writer Valetine Bulgakov (James McAvoy) is hired by Vladimir Chertkov (Paul Giamatti) to work for his idol, Leo Tolstoy (Christopher Plummer), at his country estate. In addition to transcribing Tolstoy's thoughts, Valetine is also order to surreptitiously record everything that Tolstoy's passionate yet volatile wife (Helen Mirren) has to say about her idealistic husband's controversial will, which will make his work public domain upon his death, leaving his family destitute. Caught in the crossfire of the two lovers, Valetine follows their lead by getting mixed up with a fellow fiery Tolstoy follower.
While the tumultuous and impassioned relationship between the Tolstoys is a wonder to watch, especially the manic performance of Helen Mirren, the supplementary love story between the younger couple is somewhat superfluous.
Furthermore, despite their impassive personalities, Russians are as emotional as any human being, save for the fact that they cry tears made of vodka. (Green Light)