Anna Karenina

[alythonian]

Saw this last night and still trying to get my head around it.

It was visually stunning but it was just lacking something..............I can't yet pin exactly what.

I knew it was set in the theatre and I thought that was a clever way of dealing with such a tome, I thought the male actors were excellent, I didn't but the females, and despite others' comments, I thought Keira was not right for the part and was too fragile looing to pull it off, despite doing the going mad scenes quite well.

The musical score was great.

Maybe they should just have done an Artist with it and just had the visuals and the music and no talking. That might just have worked better.

Odd!

[andrews]

This was a visually impressive adaptation of the book. Sadly, it was completely lacking in the passion and depth which the book conveys. Such a disappointment really, although I can't fault the costume, dance, scenery. I thought this adaptation was very innovative and different, but it simply didn't do it for me.

Possibly 5/10 from me.

[stuartboy]

Definitely bonkers! WTF??? Lol.
I am so glad that I'd had a wee look at the above before seeing this tonight else I'd have been totally baffled. As it was there is no real explaination of the use of the theatre as a setting. Clearly there are external scenes so it was definitely an artistic device rather than an economic decision. Maybe we could all benefit from the director etc. Q&Aing afterwards. I think it is OK to do stylised versions of works on stage and productions where classics are set in periods outwith the original or indeed minimalistic versions can work there, but cinema with its ability to portay with realism and transport you into the movie should avoid this kind of self-indulgence. Its not big and its not that clever. For me, after the initial novelty, the continuously changing scenery and choreography totally detracted from the story (which as has been mentioned) had been pared down and thinned significantly and spoiled what could have been a lavish costume drama.

I'm afraid I didn't enjoy it. Emporer's New Clothes perhaps?

Odd.

4/10

[eumenides]

I agree with stuartboy. The three of us returned from this film weary, confused and somewhat disappointed. For all its prettiness this film was a bit all over the place. I found myself more interested in Kitty and the peripheral storylines and even though the nakedness was a welcome distraction from the whole "inside/outside" set thing it wasn't engrossing enough for a film pushing two hours without good reason. Keira and Jude were true to the book, and I had no empathy for the Tolstoy characters either.
4/10

[Diane65]

I thoroughly enjoyed this in a very empty Didsbury. I do enjoy different perspectives on the same story but totally understand why a lot of people wouldn't bother going as it is a bit odd until you get into it being mainly set in a theatre. 8/10 Thanks to Betty Better for the lift.

[Sydney_Bristow]

Agreed stuartboy. Terribly disappointing version that, I'm certain, has Leo turning in his grave.

All I can say is this film was desperately unsatisfying sex with a gorgeously hot guy you've lusted for ages.

2/10 - and only for the lavish period costumes.

Edit: I think this is the lowest rating I've ever given one of these free films! Wow! History has been made today. Shame...

[newdot]

I loved this.

9/10.

[RAZORBACK]

Thought that it was visually impressive but ultimately quite hollow and actually rather dull.

It gets a slightly generous 5/10 from me...

[chelle1973]

Oh gawd this was dire! Someone clapped at the end...either glad it was over or they really enjoyed it! 2/10 from me

[pinklady56]

Kept getting distracted by the middle-aged couple giggling, talking, snogging and who knows what else (didn't want to look lol) in the back row.
Film was OK - Loved the dresses.