The Last Station (Christopher Plummer, Helen Mirren, James McAvoy, Paul Giamatti) –Leo Tolstoy was undeniably one the greatest authors of his or any other generation. The last period of his life in pre-revolution Russia in the early part of the 20th century is the setting for Michael Hoffman’s (The Emperor’s Club, One Fine Day, Soapdish) period piece. This is the Tolstoy most of us know nothing about. He’s the author who spawned a “passive” political movement with a cult-like following, which obviously didn’t survive the czar’s purge. But he believed fervently in communal ownership of property, including his own literary works. Apparently (and some historian please correct me), Tolstoy was appreciated in his homeland in his own time. He was charismatic. His long-time friend, secretary and collaborator, Vladimir Chertov (Paul Giamatti) passionately looks out for his friend and the writer’s legacy. Meanwhile, Tolstoy’s wife, Sofya, adores him but fights with him and disagrees with him violently on his hell-bent attempt to turn the rights for his writings over to “the people.” She wants it for her family. Two of the finest actors of our time, Christopher Plummer and Helen Mirren, play the Tolstoys with a verve and enthusiasm that display the tempestuous yet devoted nature of their relationship. Both are at the top of their games and each was nominated for an Oscar (his for Supporting Actor, hers for Best Actress).
Even as the Tolstoys are the center of the movie, the main characters are Chertov and Valentin Bulgakov, the young man (played by the excellent Scottish actor, James McAvoy from Atonement, Becoming Jane, and The Last King of Scotland) who Chertov recruits to serve as Tolstoy’s secretary in his waning months. McAvoy’s portrayal is touching, caring, and layered, which might have warranted an Oscar nomination in another year.
While all of the actors play Russians with a British accent, it doesn’t detract from this marvelous film that has underperformed in limited release at the box office. Hopefully, the nominations of Plummer and Mirren will extend the release and increase the box office. If not, put this on your rental or NetFlix list now. Finally, after seeing Mirren’s performance, I certainly will not understand it if Sandra Bullock wins Best Actress later this week (I do understand why she would win the People’s Choice Award, but not a real acting statuette). She is magnificent.