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Last Station, The (DVD)

by Rhiannon Sawyer | September 02, 2010 13:01 | Edited September 02, 2010 13:32

With plenty of light moments to complement the drama, this film is both an ode to love and an insight into the life of a fascinating author.

As The Last Station begins, the aged Leo Tolstoy (Christopher Plummer) has become famous throughout Russia and the world as a great author and thinker. Subsequently, a movement and commune inspired by him has arisen in the Russian countryside. Devoted Tolstoy follower Valentin (James McAvoy) has been hired as the great author's secretary, but he soon discovers that his job description unofficially extends to serving as a couple's therapist for Tolstoy and his passionate wife Sofya (Helen Mirren). When Tolstoy decides that he will be leaving his accumulated wealth to the people of Russia, and not to his wife, Valentin becomes caught up in a major emotional tug of war. 

 

With plenty of light moments to complement the drama of the collapsing marriage and the machinations of Tolstoy's followers, The Last Station - directed with an impressive light touch by Michael Hoffman - is a story as much about the importance and the strength of love in one's life as it is about the later years of a celebrated author. Mirren's playful personality and her dramatic character changes makes her a volatile force to be reckoned with, while McAvoy is excellent as the nervous and devoted servant. DVD special features are limited to cast and crew interviews and a tribute to Christopher Plummer.