The Last Station

Written by Pip Roddis Saturday, 20 February 2010 15:35

Director: Michael Hoffman

Everyone loves a good historical drama, especially if it involves Russians with beards the size of a small country – and if that’s what you’re into, this one certainly doesn’t disappoint. Based on the novel by Jay Parini, Michael Hoffman presents a beautifully moving portrayal of Leo Tolstoy’s final years.

The film focuses on the impact his unwavering political beliefs had on his personal relationships, in particular, that with his wife (played by the absolutely outstanding Helen Mirren). Tolstoy (you know, that famous guy who wrote War and Peace and played by Christopher Plummer) was committed to passive resistance against the early twentieth century Russian government, and gathered quite a following – aptly known as the 'Tolstoyists'.

James McAvoy plays his newly appointed secretary who becomes embroiled in the family politics surrounding the publishing rights to Tolstoy’s writings. In light of his relationship with the man himself, he finds that his own commitment to 'Tolstoyism' comes under question. Despite a slightly unconvincing love story between him and another devotee, Marsha (Kerry Condon), his character is both sympathetic and charming (and might I say, rather handsome) which provides a way for the audience to get to grips with the power struggle at play over the publishing rights.

Whilst Tolstoy’s fiery wife Sophia wants the inheritance preserved for the family and their estate, the film’s 'bad guy' and fellow socialist, Vladimir Chertkov (the fantastically evil Paul Giamatti), is pressurising him to give up all rights and instead impart them to 'the people'. The fragility of the relationship between Tolstoy and Sophia is brought to life by Mirren’s stunning performance and the artistic tension arising between Plummer and herself. Having said that however, no-one really wants to hear an over 60 telling her amply-bearded husband that she is his 'little bird' and he her 'big cock', especially when surrounded by an equally 60 plus cinema audience...awkward.

Uncomfortable sex scenes aside, their enduring love is both touching and heartbreaking as they struggle to reconcile their conflicting ideals in both family and political life. It is the kind of love you might see between an elderly couple walking down the street holding hands, which prompts a little 'awww' of affection. The film itself is beautifully constructed and instantly transports you to the vast rural landscape of Russia in the early 1900s - not that I’ve ever actually been to Russia in the early 1900s but I imagine it would look something quite like this.

Definitely a good choice for anyone interested in Tolstoy’s personal history and anyone who might enjoy, in the words of Mirren herself, 'a good romance'.

4/5

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