Movie #148........................."The Last Station"

Movie #148 "The Last Station" --- I really really liked this movie. It has so many layers, thanks to the intriguing story of this most captivating man at a turning point in his life and marriage, and thanks to the actors ---they are all terrific in getting across the many layers of their characters. What it comes down to, however, is the very personal story of a very famous and beloved writer who has been growing away from his beloved wife of 48 years, and she's doing everything to try to hold on. This very personal love story going awry is being told in the POV of the new young, very passionate (about Tolstory and his views, esp. on celibacy) Valentin, played by the very capable James McAvoy (whom I have become quite a fan of) --- he takes you on this journey through these people's lives --- how they deal with fame, how they deal with each other, how the wife HATES her husband's best friend, how she hates to see him change, how he hates to see her so dramatic, how he hates private property and being so rich, and how the daughter worships her father and hates her mother. Another layer that is also examined is the demise of the Tolstoy relationship juxtaposed to Valentin's falling in love with Masha, a Tolstoy follower. Like I said, multi-layered story that I really enjoyed. Makes me want to read more of his books (than just Anna Karenina)

Average rating: 3.436
I gave it 5 stars
The Last Station
(2009) R
Set during the last year of Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy's life, this biopic explores the fractious relationship between Tolstoy (Oscar nominee Christopher Plummer) and his wife (Oscar nominee Helen Mirren), as he embraces a life of asceticism. Paul Giamatti co-stars as impassioned Tolstoy devotee Vladimir Chertkov, with James McAvoy playing the aging writer's assistant, Valentin, who is caught in the middle of various struggles.