I’ve never read much about or anything written by Leo Tolstoy though like most I know the name and the books he was famous for, most notably WAR AND PEACE. So going into this film I had no idea that the man called by some the greatest novelist to ever live was behind a movement let alone a pacifist. And yet with THE LAST STATION we not only get a glimpse of that side of him but its effect on those around him.
The film takes place in Tolstoy’s later years. As played by Christopher Plummer (in an Oscar nominated role), Tolstoy loves his family but fills him time as much with writing and furthering the cause of Tolstoyans. The Tolstoyans considered themselves Christians but based their faith more on the teachings of Jesus and less on the church, feeling that the church had connected itself far too much in the workings of the government. Tolstoyans also were a devoutly non-violent group of anarchists who also believed in sexual abstinence.
The central piece of the film revolves around a battle between Tolstoy’s wife Sofya (Helen Mirren who was also nominated) and Vladimir Chetlov (Paul Giamatti), the head of the Tolstoyan organization. Their battle revolves around the rights to the works of Tolstoy. His wife believes he should leave them to her and his children, giving them the opportunity to live well after he would pass away. Chetlov believed he should sign the rights over to public domain so that the word could spread about his beliefs. While this might seem noble, there are always undercurrents that run beneath anyone’s motives.
Chetlov sends a new secretary to Tolstoy named Valentin Bulgakov (James McAvoy). A Tolstoyan, Valentin is given the task of writing down everything he observes and reporting back to Chetlov. Amazingly enough, once he arrives he is given the exact opposite assignment by Sofya as well as a second journal.
What follows is a discovery of the reality of Tolstoy and his life as seen through Valentin’s eyes. What one writes may be one thing but at the same time Tolstoy lived a life that was far from what his followers demanded of themselves. Tolstoy here is a man of great passion for life, great love for his wife and family and a man who wanted a better world and did all he could to make it so.
As Valentin watches the battles between husband and wife, he also sees the love and emotion the pair share as well. And by the end of the film he is witness to the hypocrisy of members of the group as well as the conspiracies laid out by both parties in an attempt to get what they want.
The film moves at a steady pace never relying on action but more on storytelling to tell the tale. It’s not just about this battle over the will but a glimpse at fame, fortune and the baggage it brings with it. It’s a story that shows how far fanaticism will influence people who seem more intent on their own beliefs and desires than those of the group. And it’s a story of love that is discovered as Valentin suspends his beliefs for a woman he meets and falls in love for after seeing the affections shared between Tolstoy and his wife.
The movie offers some of the best acting I’ve seen in some time. Each actor gives a performance that leaves you feeling as if they are the characters and not just portraying them. Never once will you find yourself checking the clock to see how much longer the film is. It holds your interest from start to finish.
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