From Book To Movie: Anna Karenina (2012)
As regular blog readers will know, I enjoy watching and discussing movies based on books and thought it would be a good idea to have an occasional feature where I talk about adaptations currently in the theaters.
Title: Anna Karenina
Adapted From: Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
I saw this film awhile ago but I never had a chance to post my thoughts about it. I thought it did a pretty good job of staying faithful to Tolstoy’s original novel, keeping to the story’s most essential points. However I will say that the emphasis is placed on certain events and also other smaller subplots are extended.
Blurb:
Set in late-19th-century Russia high-society, the aristocrat Anna Karenina enters into a life-changing affair with the affluent Count Vronsky.
Things I liked:
- It was just beautiful, the sets, the costumes,the way it was staged were all lush and gorgeous.
- I thought it was an interesting idea to make it almost like a Russian ballet brought to life, though it is jarring at first.
- The acting in general was good, my favorite performance coming from Matthew Macfadyen as Oblonsky.
- Jude Law was spectacular as Karenin, he took a character I hate in the book and really made me feel sorry for him.
Favorite Moment:
I liked all the moments with Jude Law in this film. He really surprised me here with how much dimension he brought to the part of Karenin.
Things I disliked:
- I am probably going to anger some people with this but I am coming more and more to the conclusion that I don’t like Keira Knightley as an actress. I wish they would stop casting her in so many period dramas.
- As gorgeous as the film’s style is I think it sometimes overpowers its substance. The gorgeous visuals and choreography are certainly impressive but sometimes they distracted from a scene’s emotional content.
- I think the emphasis on the subplot with Levin and Kitty took away from the main plot with Anna and Vronsky.
Final Thoughts:
I have mixed feeling about this film. I really thought it was visually inventive and interesting but some of the soul of the story is lost in this adaptation. I think the point of the novel is the hypocrisy of the society who condones adultery in private but condemns it in public but I am not sure that entirely comes across in this film. While I enjoyed this film on a purely aesthetic level but I wouldn’t recommend it to those wanting to learn more about the work of Leo Tolstoy.
Interesting points! I finished this book just before the film came out, but it hasn’t been in any theaters around me so I may have to wait for the Redbox to get it. You make some interesting points, but I think I may have gotten a little bit different theme out of the novel than you did. I think he’s definitely pointing out the hypocrisy of society, but I also think it’s about a person that creates drama in her life through her choices, then sits and cries (and eventually commits suicide) because she can’t handle the drama. I actually liked Karenin in the book far more than I liked Anna, despite his many flaws. I think Tolstoy was saying something about how we create our own worlds and our choices directly lead to our own destinies, but some people just refuse to see that. Anyway, rambling. Thanks for the review. It gives me some idea of what the movie will be about. I’m sure I’ll find flaws with it too (most movies made from books have them
) but I’ll probably still see it either way. Happy Monday! 
This is what I like about book blogging is that everyone has different points of view on a similar topic! I love that actually!
I get what your saying that in fact you think the author was depicting Anna Karenina herself as weak and self-centered. I can understand why you would have more sympathy with Karenin and I think that is definitely the point of view of the person who made the film. I think it also points out the sexism and the double standard where it is okay for a man to have affairs but not a woman. I am more in the camp of I think they are both pretty detestable and unlikable characters who basically reap what they sow. Are you going to post a review? If you do I will link you up with mine for a different point of view!
I really want to see this film, but at the same time, I think reading the book first might be good. I got it for my kindle and I am aware that it is indeed a hefty thing, but still, it looks brilliant all the same!
Ahhh, shame you don’t like Keira Knightely, I can see why, but I think she tends to do well in these period dramas because she has that pasty, sick look that works well for that kind of period. haha.
I love the look of the costumes and choreography for the film though. Great review!
I really think it’s one of those most read novels, the characters are complex and in many ways unlikable but they are real!LOL I think that is probably why they cast her..I find her acting to be a little over the top, especially with her facial expressions!
It really is beautiful and the choreography is really impressive.
Ahhh, now I’m probably going to never watch her in the same light again. I see what you mean about her mouth facial expression. Oh dear. haha.
I love Jude. (Haven’t seen this yes). Ok dish why don’t you like Keira?
I was just thinking last night, I’m the only person on the planet that doesn’t like Tina Fey.
I find her to be trying to hard a lot of the time, her facial expressions and body language are so over the top it irritates me to be honest! Jude Law is deeply awesome in this part!
The double standard regarding adultery in this story made me so mad! I’m not sure I could sit through a movie version of it, no matter how stunning. And like you Keira Knightley isn’t my favorite actor, I feel she often acts big weepy eyed no matter the character. Some times it works, and some times it doesn’t.
Yes, exactly! That is what drives me crazy about her..it’s the same facial expression EVERY movie LOL
This is the facial expression she makes, fish face LOL http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ucl7syRizs/Ts4c2AsSotI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/CKKPvVARcMw/s640/Keira-Knightley-face.jpg
I started laughing before I even opened the picture, and sure enough it looked exactly as I pictured. LOL
I’ve never read the book but the film just looks stunning! And I know what you mean about Keira Knightly- I think I only like her in Bend it like Beckham, lol. Nice film analysis. I’ll probably have a look once it hits cable, and I’m looking forward to Jude Law’s performance.
I definitely think that is the best way to see this film!
Jude Law is the highlight of the film for me!
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