Anna Karenina 2012

[quirrelquarrel]

Went to see this the day it came out, LOVED IT! I didn't think Keira Knightley particularly shone but I thought her husband (Seryozha's father) was fantastic. Magnificent as the suffering man who needed the veneer of social non-feeling to be able to face her. Thought the mother-son performances were weak, all just a bit...perfunctory maybe. But I say I loved it because every scene was a painting, all completely rich and coordinated, it was such a treat of a film. I would go again to see it with the sound down! Like I said to the person I was with, I almost wished I had it in edible form as well I liked the way they used the stage/doors too. I read the book ages ago, maybe four years ago, and it all seemed a little weighted down and threatened, but this adaption was different. Really really worth going to see. What did you think?

[BelfastBloke]

Most people on Mumsnet hate Keira Knightley. I'm sure they'll be along slagging her off soon enough.

[SuperB0F]

I'm a bit puzzled why they felt the need to present this as a stage play though- it sounds a bit poncey to me: it's a novel, it doesn't need that much arsefarting around, does it?

[cornzy]

the guy's hair looks a bit 80's new romantic...puts me right off

[quirrelquarrel]

I thought they wanted to show the superficialness of the elite society at the time and how love ultimately broke down under the pressure of it, being watched all the time, humans can't be caged in, etc etc....

[boogiewoogie]

I'd really like to see it. Read the book a while ago. I'm not a huge fan of Keira though I've nothing against her, I'm less convinced with Aaron Johnson as Vronsky though. Come to think of it, I own at least 3 DVDs with her in it!

[MsAmerica]

I keep forgetting to ask, but I wondered if anyone had comparisons with earlier versions of AK? I'm seen the Garbo and Leigh versions, loved them both, especially the Garbo. I guess I'm the only one here who likes Keira Knightley?

[HumphreyCobbler]

I thought this film was excellent.

It was beautiful, energetic and absorbing. And had the best clothes EVER. And some rather fabulous dancing. I found KK totally acceptable in the role. She looked lovely.

[theoriginalandbestrookie]

Apparently the reason it was presented as a stage play is because they ran out of money, but of course had to sell it as if that was the idea all along.

I was bitterly disappointed because I was looking forward to the vast Russian scenery instead it felt a bit like Mike Leighs Topsy Turvy but not in a good way.

I too felt Jude Laws acting was excellent, very understated for him. Keira - well I have no mumsnet party line to toe on her, but I felt she was out of her depth, good enough at the falling in love with the cad bit but her love for her son didn't seem particularly real or strong.

I haven't read the book and didn't know the ending so to be honest I was mightly relieved when she chucked herself on the track.

Also it must be different from the book because when she was ill her husband was such a kind and thoughtful person it just seemed a bit capricious of her to go back to Vronsky so I kind of lost interest in what happened to her since she had made such a stupid choice - is it the same in the book ?

[MsAmerica]

I finally saw it and was very disappointed. I was struggling with myself not to condemn the gimmick of presenting it as if it were on a stage, but I didn't like it. I began by admiring the gorgeous production, but I gradually began to feel it was all wrong - that is, lavish, but not accurate, in terms of clothing, jewelry, etc. And while the acting was all right, I thought the casting of Vronsky was a poor choice, dull and a bit too much of a "beau," and I didn't appreciate Anna portrayed so much as an insecure neurotic.
I'd prefer the Garbo version any day of the week!

[trikken]

I loved it, thats all I can say!

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I absolutely loved it: loved the spectacle of it and thought the transitions using the stage idea were excellent. I haven't read it though - do I want to? I like KK except in that Freud thing, in which I thought she was just awful.