One disappointing thing about living in Australia is that we do not get to see all the Oscar nominated films before the awards show. However I finally got to see Helen Mirren and Christopher Plummers' Oscar nominated performances.
There are some biographies about famous people that I find fascinating because I do not know about the subject so I find out about them through the film. All I really knew about Leo Tolstoy was that he was an author who wrote 'War And Peace' (or 'War: What Is It Good For?' as it was originally known). I did not know what he had a whole philosophical movement that gained many followers in Russia. He had many devoted 'disciples' and that is what the film is centred on. This almost religious following is in conflict with his relationship with his wife the Countess Sophia. While Sophia loves Leo very much, her husband is surrounded by people who are more concerned with Leo's message than the man himself. That is what makes the film very interesting and a great story. It must have been very frustrating for Sophia to try and love Leo with all these people around him who won't let him love her. It is even more fascinating when Sophia's philosophies are so different to Leo's but she still loves him despite it. That to me is true love.
James McAvoy is good as the man who gets to meet his hero and finds out he is not what he seems. There is some nice amusing moments as Valentin is asked to be a spy for both Sophia and Vladimir. Paul Giamatti plays the nasty characters so well and does a good job here. Christopher Plummer is excellent as Tolstoy. He gives a very refined and measured performance. As great as he was I think the Oscar went to the right person. Helen's performance though is another reason why Sandra Bullock did not deserve her Oscar. It is pretty much a given that Helen is wonderful in everything she does so perhaps the Academy gave it to someone who may not be back there again.
A wonderful adult drama about a famous author who you may only know from their books. A fascinating insight into a life you may not know much about.
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