Based on the 1878 novel, this 2012 period drama was anything but timeless as disappointed viewers brand it ‘trash’ even with its A-list cast.
Anna Karenina was adapted from the novel of the same name to screen by Tom Stoppard and directed by Joe Wright, the man behind period drama classics such as Pride and Prejudice and Atonment.
With Kiera Knightley cast as the titular character, alongside Aaron Taylor Johnson as her love interest, Count Vronsky, and characters played by the likes of Jude Law and even supermodel Cara Delevingne, fans had high hopes for the movie.
Those hopes were soon lost, as many sat through just over two hours of what they deem to be ‘Impossible to watch’ scenes. A Rotten Tomatoes review further explained: “The atmosphere, the feelings – just aren’t there. If you are trying to adapt a Russian classic novel, understanding the culture is crucial.”
With an overall score on the review site of just 63%, Anna Karenina has received less positive attention than expected since it joined streaming services. With that being said, at the time of its release, the film won an Academy Award and a BAFTA for its costume design, and was nominated across many other categories for its pleasing periodic visuals.
What viewers are quick to pick a part is the film’s performances from the two leads, who had big shoes to fill, given the success of the well-known novel. A review states: “Keira Knightley and Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s dry performances do little to elevate a truncated and emotionally flat Anna Karenina…
“A film more content to step through its source materials narrative beats rather than dig deeply into its philosophical underpinnings, but it is difficult to ignore director Joe Wright’s arresting creative vision whose visual ambition ultimately outweighs its faults… if only just.”
The film tells the tragedy of a Russian aristocrat named Anna Karenina, who is also the wife of senior statesman Alexei Karenin, and the affair she carried out with Count Vronsky, the cavalry officer. Their secret love and passionate romance is a complete scandal in their high society circles, causing Anna to be cast out and isolated, which resulted in her ultimate demise.
When talking about the casting, a viewer wrote: “What a monumental piece of trash, and such an incredible amount of talent wasted. This was a very disgusting deconstructionist approach. It was almost like Joe Wright hates the audience.
“The music is intentionally unnerving the entire time, but it’s beautifully shot, with an amazing cast. Good for stills, and maybe a trailer/teaser. I freaking LOATHE this film. Good artists are going to take vengeance, mark my words.”
Another person shared: “Amazing directing but oh my god the plot didn’t hit at all. Too much train foreshadowing, no chemistry at all between Anna and Vronsky (which is crazy because Keira Knightley and Aaron Taylor Johnson are both very attractive people).
“The side characters were more interesting (Matthew Macfadyen and Domhnall Gleeson outsold).”
To immerse yourself in the ‘theatrical’ world built in this film through its costume, design and cinematography, you can stream Anna Karenina now on Amazon Prime. Although, if you’re looking for a period drama, Joe Wright’s other films seem to be more popular adaptations.