Film - The Last Station
The Last Station by Richard AindowGenre: Historical Drama
Starring: Christopher Plummer, Helen Mirren, James McAvoy and Paul Giamatti
Directed by: Michael Hoffman
Origin: Germany/Russia/UK
Running Time: 112 minutes
Rating: M
Score: 3.5 out of 5
Wikipedia is a curse on the inquisitive. It transpires that the most trifling of subjects can hold interest long enough that a laptop must be consulted; when you are at home watching a film about a subject as fascinating as Tolstoy it is hard to concentrate.
A spoiler: What many journalists do nowadays is merely to search Wikipedia then appear sage-like on a subject about which they previously knew nothing. Nobody likes a cheat, so my confessions are to know only a little about Russian literature, and to have never even made it through War and Peace. Does this make me a heathen? Perhaps, but it does also allow one to approach The Last Station without preconception and the air of smug satisfaction.
The Last Station is a history of the last years of Tolstoy’s long life. Still living in his family’s sprawling estate whilst espousing the impurity of private wealth, Tolstoy is conflicted and his health is failing. Pulling in opposite directions are those closest to him; politically by fanatical Chertkov (the wonderful Giamatti as a moustache-twirling disciple of Tolstoyan ideals) and emotionally by his wife of 48 years, Sophia, who opposes this movement and rightly fears for her inheritance.
Into this quiet turmoil is thrust a naive new private secretary, Valentin Bulgakov (the ever-improving James McAvoy) who is awed merely by Tolstoy’s presence and follows both the vegetarianism and celibacy prescribed by the movement. As time goes on his ideals are tested by the humanity of the Countess against the determination of Chertkov and, even more so, by Masha, a spirited commune member searching for purity and love.
As domestic privilege and Sophia’s behaviour become increasingly intolerable to Tolstoy, Valentin must play go-between as the writer flees his home in search of peace. Ultimately he must choose between his ideals, love, and respect for Russia’s greatest writer as Tolstoy reaches the end of the line.
At its core this film is about characters rather than ideals, whether by choice or the towering presence of both Plummer and Mirren (as Tolstoy and Sophia respectively) is less clear. Mirren, in particular, is astonishing in scenes where she exposes the fragility of Sophia and her still naked emotion towards her husband. It is no surprise that both actors were nominated for an Oscar for their roles. Director Michael Hoffman seems to have succeeded because this stellar cast enlivens his passionate if lumpy drama. If this wasn’t Tolstoy’s story and Plummer vs. Mirren weren’t spectacular it would struggle, particularly with the balance between levity and raw emotion. Occasionally there is the peculiar feel of a farce about a dying man.
The Last Station, then, is elevated beyond period hokum by the fascinating historical context and heavyweight acting. As such, it should be on the must see list for fans of this genre. As one of the few places Wikipedia can’t touch, it is also a reminder that cinemas are the place to see movies. What Tolstoy would have made of the Internet is another matter entirely.