Review of Anna Karenina (2012) by Kathryn S — 20 Feb 2013

As classic novel adaptations, Joe Wright films, and period pieces go; Anna Karenina is mediocre. In the beginning the filming style as well as tone and pace issues, clash completely, with the theater play look and heavily choreographed movements bumping up agains serious moments and others that make you assume people are about to burst into song.

Thankfully, around the 20 minute mark the film finds it's footing and becomes watchable. Performance and creativity wise, this adaptation is very rich in both and there is nothing horribly wrong with it, but it never quite hits the mark.

Ultimately the film ends up being so in love with it's own style that it forgets to tell a worthwhile or compelling story. I'm also not entirely convinced the messages of the "doomed affair" story are as relatable or humanistic to today's audience.

All in all, while the film is decent, and a visual/performance treat, there is nothing really to gain from it, no resounding depth or experience.