AS THE world braces itself for next month’s Academy Awards, cinema screens are swamped with films crammed full of gutsy performances and tear-jerking stories about the destitute and the heroic.
Oscar-winning movies fall into three main pigeon holes — the underdog story, period dramas about tortured artists and over-rated blockbusters by James Cameron.
The Last Station fits nicely into the second of those categories, focussing on the final year of Russian author Leo Tolstoy (Christopher Plummer) and his stormy relationship with his wife, the Countess Sofya (Helen Mirren).
As Tolstoy’s health deteriorates, his long suffering spouse is beside herself over his decision to will the rights of his literary works, not to her, but to the Russian people.
Coercing the old man into signing the papers is Anton Chertkov (Paul Giamatti), who manages a utopian movement founded by Tolstoy.
But the feisty Sofya is determined not to go down without a fight and her struggle to protect the family assets and win back her idealistic husband is witnessed through the innocent eyes of the author’s new secretary Valentin Bulgakov, played by James McAvoy.
Valentin’s own burgeoning love for the rambunctious and beautiful Masha (Kerry Condon) contrasts with the waning affections of Tolstoy and his wife of 48 years.
The dream cast is fantastic and both Mirren and Plummer have rightly been nominated for their roles at this year’s Oscars.
Plummer is suitably enigmatic as the eccentric Tolstoy while Mirren sizzles with firey passion and spits contempt at those who stand in her way.
It’s another flawless performance from the award-winning actress who has a reputation for playing strong female characters.
A scene where Sofya’s temper flares into a dizzying rage, sending crockery flying, is deliciously flamboyant and over the top.
But Mirren’s versatility means she is equally convincing in scenes which need a softer touch.
Despite Hoffman’s energetic direction, it is a film which appears more interested in showcasing its cast’s impressive acting skills than developing an engaging narrative.
So for all its gloss and breath-taking performances, The Last Station fails to pack any genuine emotional punches.
This sumptuous period drama may not blow your socks off or require you to wear unflattering 3D specs but it is a charming, beguiling couple of hours you won’t regret.
The Last Station (15) is released in cinemas tomorrow.
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