The Last Station

Russian landscapes. Trains. Lovers torn by political philosophy. English stage actors. It's the perfect recipe for any Chekhov play in the canon. Really, all that's missing from "The Last Station" is a seagull or a copse of Cherry trees. This story of the last days of Russian literary icon Leo Tolstoy is written and presented in the style of another Russian Icon, Anton Chekhov. The result is that the fascinating story of the battle between Tolstoy's long time wife (Helen Mirren) and the cultists who want to turn Tolstoy into the figurehead of a political movement (if not a religion), is offered up in such a way as to keep an audience at a far distance. The Chekhovian dialogue is peppered with heartfelt exclamations of passion and political philosophy. It all makes for some over-the-top melodrama. It's really hard to get involved with this film. But if you really dig Chekhov......
I mentioned those English actors with the great theatrical skill set. Well, they're good. Helen Mirren and James McAvoy give it their all. It amazes me how English actors can look so sincere while chomping on the furniture. The lone American star, Paul Giamatti gives an unusually stiff and uninvolving performance. Christopher Plummer is by far the best reason to see "The Last Station" he manages to breath life into Tolstoy in spite of the formality of the writing. Plummer is worthy of a nomination. Not sure if he'll make my cut though.