Review of The Last Station (2009) by Cory W — 15 Jul 2010

"The Last Station" is a film that heavily leans on its performances. The whole cast is on fire in their respective roles. The problem here is that this would have worked much better as a stage show then an actual movie.

This movie centers around the last few days of famous Russian author Leo Tolstoy and the ongoing fight for his literary rights. Veteran actor Christopher Plummer delivers a lively performance as Tolstoy.

He really does delve himself into the role, and was very deserving for his Oscar nomination. Helen Mirren is also fantastic as the Countess, Tolstoy's long suffering wife who is adamant about receiving the rights of her husbands work, which was being granted to a Tolstoyan movement leader (played by Paul Giamatti).

James McAvoy rounds out the cast as a man brought in to shadow Tolstoy in his final days, but also to document the Countess' actions for the Tolstoyan leaders. This, by all means, was a good movie.

It hosts strong performances from the cast, a beautiful score by Russian composer Sergey Yevtushenko, and good direction from Michael Hoffman. At times, the film does seem like it is taking on too much.

You have the plot of Tolstoy's last days, the rekindling of Tolstoy and the countess' marriage, the fight for the rights, and a romantic story between McAvoy and a fellow Tolstoyan. All of which were done in a good fashion, though were all crammed together in a somewhat tight manner.

The film does close in a very moving scene that really does tie the film together. Hoffman gave a valiant effort here, but this story was one that almost seemed too theatrical for its own good. Now don't get me wrong, this is a good drama with some GREAT performances, it just lacks the substance needed for a great film.

Overall, "The Last Station" is worth the ride for the stellar performances.