The Last Station

I love a good historical novel or film. I felt transported in this film to Russia and the final years of Leo Tolstoy. How could any film fail with Christopher Plummer playing a lead role?

I would go anywhere to see Helen Mirren perform. She is the finest actor of the day. I have loved every part she has ever played. In this film she plays the part of Tolstoy’s wife. She seems to spend most of her time begging her husband to love her. At one moment he is gentle and kind and at other times he is screaming at her. She is a countess and they live in a substantial house. Yet, Tolstoy wears peasant clothing and lets his beard grow to an unkempt length.

Tolstoy’s belief was that wealth corrupts everyone.

Tolstoy is a bearded aged icon. His followers are totally devoted. I loved the scene when he is sitting out on the estate grounds and the children come to visit him. He hands them a flower and kisses each child. It was so beautifully filmed.

His wife had property and was worried that after his death all the funds would go to the Tolstoy followers. Paul Giamatti very aptly plays the role of the publisher who takes great pains to have Tolstoy sign over his will.

A young secretary (James McAvoy) is hired to work with Tolstoy. He is a loyal follower and believer of Tolstoy’s philosophy. He meets a young lady on the commune and they fall in love.

We witness the conflict between Tolstoy and his wife over his will. There is even more acrimony between the wife and publisher. Even the young lovers have to make difficult decisions.

I loved the cinematography. Much was in a faded brown look to give the appearance of the olden times. The scenes of the carriages and horses were so appealing.

The film felt like a stage play in many ways. It didn’t matter.

I certainly learned a great deal about those times. The Last Station refers to the train leaving the station after Tolstoy dies. Throngs of adoring followers greeted the train. It was very moving. While the credits are rolling you see actual pictures from that time. The audience is also given more information about the real characters. The film certainly had star power.