Review of The Last Station (2009) by A.j. S — 23 Sep 2010

"The Last Station" is not exactly true to the Tolstoyian language or mood due to its British roots and melodramatic nature; two factors which have been indissoluble in the last decade (â??Bridget Jonesâ??s Diaryâ??, â??Love Actuallyâ??, or â??Imagine Me and Youâ?? for example).

Had it been made in the great authorâ??s homeland, perhaps it would make for a more authentic and significant experience. When pairing this British melodrama with a Hollywood director known, if anything, for his rom-coms, it must be obvious that Tolstoyâ??s inherent disposition would be overlooked in such a production.

Yes, it is delightful to watch the always enjoyable Christopher Plummer and vibrant Helen Mirren love one another and quarrel â?? albeit, softly â?? as the actual couple did quite famously, but there is no substance to it.

James McAvoy plays the typical virginal and cautious young man well, considering he does it so frequently, and Paul Giamatti is composedly sinister as Countess Tolstoyaâ??s antagonist. Michael Hoffman directs it well, but his script is dull, mechanical, and complete with major digressions and another central love story that is largely disregarded for an entire third of the duration.

In short, the film fails to live up to its subject in any way, shape or form, while being timidly entertaining in its own right. Any Tolstoy, or any Russian literature, fan should view with caution.