Michael Hoffman'sThe Last Station, released in January in the United States, is a historical drama set in 1910 that depicts the later life of Leo Tolstoy (Christopher Plummer) - the Russian author, essayist and philosopher who is most widely known as the author of War and Peace and Anna Karenina. His success as a novelist was not Tolstoy's only accomplishment, however, as he spent the later years of his life spreading a doctrine of spiritual love and passive resistance - the focus of the movie.
The film does not attempt to intricately portray the philosophy and social effects of this work, though. Instead, Hoffman is interested in depicting Tolstoy as a conflicted man who struggles with the tension between the life he leads and the one he preaches. He is constantly fighting with his bipolar wife, Countess Sofya (Helen Mirren), who feels her husband loves his work more than her.
Ultimately, Mirren steals the show but is balanced out somewhat by the subplot of Valentin Bulgakov (James McAvoy), Tolstoy's secretary and Vladimir Cherktov's spy. Valentin initially is a stringent follower of Tolstoy's doctrine, nervously vowing celibacy and loyalty to his work. But he soon transforms and begins to question what Tolstoy's philosophy really means as he spends time with the philosopher's family and meets a rebellious young woman who challenges his careful lifestyle.
With the story line moving at a slow pace, it is the passion and intensity of these characters and their relationships that makes the film so compelling. From McAvoy's awkwardness and nervous sneezes to Plummer and Mirren's comedic squawking and gobbling as chickens and roosters, viewers cannot help but laugh or cry at the intense emotion behind each character.
Mirren, who was nominated for best actress in a movie drama at the Golden Globes for this role, gives a hysterical but realistic performance, allowing viewers to empathize with her and her defiance of her husband's philosophy. Plummer was nominated for his portrayal of Tolstoy, as well. Viewers should keep in mind, however, that Hoffman presents a decidedly fictionalized version of the Tolstoys' relationship problems - this is made clear with a series of black-and-white videos of the real couple during the end credits.
Though the film moves slowly at times, the characters are just too good to miss. If you are looking for an action-packed film, this is not the one to see. On the other hand, if you enjoy period dramas, are interested in gaining a general knowledge of Leo Tolstoy's life and want to see some amazing performances, The Last Station will not disappoint.
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