The Last Station

Starring: Helen Mirren, Christopher Plummer, Paul Giamatti, James McAvoy, Anne-Marie Duff, Kerry Condon
Directed by: Michael Hoffman
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Romance
2009

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: During the final days of Leo Tolstoy (Christopher Walken), his wife (Helen Mirren) battles his aide (Paul Giamatti) for control of his possessions and his copyrights for his work. His new, young secretary (James McAvoy) finds himself caught in the middle.

Review:

Tim: The Last Station is a moving, emotional look at the final days of the wonderful Russian author, Leo Tolstoy. The movie is well acted, entertaining, and overall, enjoyable. I really like movies that paint famous historical figures in a realistic, living manner. This movie achieves that- bringing this important person to life, rather than just having him be a name we associate with great novels.

The cast is easily the best part of this film and the biggest reason to see it. While Helen Mirren received much of the accolades, I wasn't completely sold on her performance. I thought she was good as the Countess, and certainly put a great deal of emotional and energy into the role. She's very good, but I never completely loved her performance. I felt like this was the kind of performance she always gives- nothing particularly special about it. I'm not upset that she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress, but I wonder if the nomination came more from who she is, and less about her actual performance.

Christopher Plummer also received an Academy Award nomination, his for Best Supporting Actor. This nomination is very well deserved. Plummer is fantastic as Tolstoy. He disappears behind the long beard, and you really start to think of him as Tolstoy. I never felt like I was watching an actor playing a part. Plummer was memorable, emotional, and effective in the role. He worked exceptionally well with the entire cast, especially Mirren and James McAvoy.

McAvoy was very, very good. I suppose he was the lead actor, and I am disappointed he didn't receive more acclaim. McAvoy is an exceptionally talented actor, and I am so looking forward to watch his continued development as an actor. He's charismatic, likable, and overall, just a terrific actor. He's quickly becoming one of my favorites. I really enjoyed him in this film. The scenes between he and Mirren and he and Plummer were great. He holds his own against these very experienced, very talented actors. I also enjoyed Paul Giamatti in a bit of a thankless role. He hit the right balance for the character- he wasn't a caricature, but a real, complex person. I really appreciated that.

While I really enjoyed this movie, there were a few aspects that I didn't love. I thought the movie occasionally ventured into the melodramatic. Mirren especially got on my nerves with her constant yammering and complaining. I understand why this had to happen, but I think there was a more effective way for this to come across. While the movie was entertaining and interesting, I also wish it had touched the emotional side a bit more. The movie certainly tried, but it was hard work to connect emotionally to the film.

Still, The Last Station is a very good movie. I really enjoyed it. While it was nominated for two Academy Awards, it really feels like one of those films that is good enough to be nominated, but doesn't do enough to actually be deserving of any awards. I am thankful for this movie and especially the strong performances in it. While good, the movie is never great. However, not every movie can be- this one felt like it was good enough.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



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