Review of Anna Karenina (2012) by Chloë T — 28 Feb 2013

The production design of this film is by far its best aspect. The fact that hundreds of scenes were all filmed inside of one old theater is mind-bending. I love the symbolism of how Joe Wright uses the theater wings and catwalk as symbolism to the city streets. The theater is also emptied out for the use of large public events such as balls and horse races.

Although Keira Knightley is quite rigid and frantic as she depicts Anna Karenina, I feel as though she gives the character what it needs. Anna is unhappy in her marriage, and even when she finds love and happiness in Count Vronsky (Aaron Johnson), she is always nervous that she will lose her child. Her constant stress, worry, and unhappiness reduces her to depression and no one can stop her from jumping in front of the train that caused her misery in the first place.