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HOORAY FOR 1933—EIGHTY YEARS LATERAnna Karenina
The film’s greatest failing is in making us feel the anguish of Anna’s doomed relationship with Count Vronsky (played by an ineffectual Aaron Johnson, who is now billing himself as Aaron Taylor-Johnson). The leading man preens and puffs himself up but never gives us reason to empathize with him. Absent that, the story is just a lavishly-costumed charade.
Keira Knightley does a capable job as Anna, and she is surrounded by talented actors including Jude Law, Matthew Macfadyen and Alicia Vikander (the star of A Royal Affair), but without that vital emotional connection, this Anna Karenina lands with a thud.
Images From Anna Karenina
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Photo by Laurie Sparham - Courtesy of Focus Features
1 of 9Anna Karenina
Alicia Vikander is Kitty -
Photo by Laurie Sparham - Courtesy of Focus Features
2 of 9Anna Karenina
Vikander with Domhnall Gleeson who portrays Levin -
Photo By Laurie Sparham - Courtesy Focus Features
3 of 9Anna Karenina
Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Count Vronsky) escorts Vikander -
Photo by Laurie Sparham - Courtesy of Focus Features
4 of 9Anna Karenina
Olivia Williams, as Countress Vronsky, meets Knightley on board train. -
Photo by Laurie Sparham - Courtesy of Focus Features
5 of 9Anna Karenina
Aaron Taylor-Johnson -
Photo by Laurie Sparham - Courtesy of Focus Features
6 of 9Anna Karenina
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Courtesy of Focus Features
7 of 9Anna Karenina
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Photo by Laurie Sparham - Courtesy of Focus Features
8 of 9Anna Karenina
Matthew Macfadyen plays Anna's brother, Oblonsky -
Photo by Laurie Sparham - Courtesy of Focus Features
9 of 9Anna Karenina
Jude Law and Knightley as man and wife
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4 Comments
Kathy | November 24, 2012 1:13 AM
While I respect your views on this film Leonard and have respected many others, there's more to this film if you look to some of the other performances also, like the versitile Matthew Macfadyen as Oblonsky and especially Jude Law as the sublime withholding Karenin. There performances I think are flawless and it's kind of fitting that while we grow to hate the main players we are fascinatingly drawn to the more naturalistic portrayal of Levin, which in all other takes of this classic miss the mark. Worth a second look! ;-)
Jeffrey | November 22, 2012 10:47 AM
Although this may be an inferior rendition, it still has a good chance to land a Best Picture nod from the Oscars. Well nigh incomprehensible.
Davey | November 16, 2012 8:34 PM
I've always liked the Garbo film but I actually found this new take on Anna Karenina very strong and bold. I'm glad Wright didn't make a typical period film. The film is well acted and beautifully designed.
Kim | November 16, 2012 1:34 PM
Completely agreed. An absolutely beautiful production, but one severely lacking in emotion.