Review of Anna Karenina (2012) by Gregory G — 24 Feb 2013

Leo Tolstoy's novel is probably the greatest in world literature but this artificial adaptation, by writer Tom Stoppard and director Joe Wright, is a bold misconception. Incorporating the theatricality of the period, the movie is staged as a theatrical production interspersed with exteriors for the big set pieces.

Its a showy, fast-paced production with highly stylized sequences where supporting players are frozen in frame while the key performers are in motion. Like most filmed adaptations of Tolstoy, the love affair between Anna (Keira Knightley) and Vronsky (Aaron Johnson) takes over and the counterpoint relationship between Levin (Domdhnall Gleeson) and Kitty (Alicia Vikander) becomes secondary.

There are lovely passages, such as Levin's marriage proposal to Kitty and Anna's reconciliation with her son, that almost seem to get at the essence of the novel. But the filmmakers are unable to translate Tolstoy's panoramic portrait of nineteenth century Russian society to anything more than a conventional soap opera.

The themes never emerge fully and emotionally the picture feels hollow. Knightley tries hard but is merely an adequate Anna. Opulent production design is by Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer; cinematography by Seamus McGarvey; music score by Dario Marianelli.

Won Oscar for Best Costume Design. With Jude Law as Karenin; Matthew MacFadyen as Oblonsky; Kelly Macdonald as Dolly; Ruth Wilson, Olivia Williams, and Emily Watson.