Last night I watched the 1948 version of the classic Tolstoy novel "Anna Karenina" and was absolutely moved to tears. Such a glorious adaption of an out and out heart wrenching story of love, society, marriage, choices and, one of my favourite topics at the moment, the tender frailty of the human spirit. I chose to borrow this film from my local library because I ADORE Vivien Leigh, but I ended up loving this film as a movie in its own right.
Having said that, Vivien is her thoroughly captivating self, acting with perfect timing and sensitivity to the title character, and mesmerising her audience with her unfathomable beauty. In a review of the earlier Greta Garbo version of the story, it was said that "Garbo herself, (was) perhaps a bit too self-possessed and headstrong, (and) could never represent the character of Anna, a woman carried away on passion, lust and impending tragedy." Certainly Vivien could carry such a role, as her own life showed all the elements of passion, sensitivity and human frailty that epitomised the tragic heroine, Anna Karenina.
The costuming in this film, by Cecil Beaton and set in the late 1800's, is breathtaking, extravagant and stunning. The sets impressive, in places stark, elegant and cold as fits the subject. The supporting actors are astute and, of course, the story is brilliant. This tale has been billed as the greatest love story of all time.
If you are after a beautiful, cosy night in, then chase down a copy of this film. You most certainly wont regret it.
Below are some costume stills from Anna Karenina - I couldn't resist sharing them with you all, they are so divine!
4.5 Choc Tops
I own this film and it's one of my favourites for all the reasons you've stated above. The costumes are so gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteVivian Leigh has always remained my all time favorite actress, especially because of her performance in a "Streetcar Called Desire" and "Gone with the Wind."
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Thank you for sharing. I have not seen any of the films and find it imposible to imagine how they can put that story into a movie but I will try to track some of these down and looking forward to the 2012 version with Keira Knightly and Jude Law which I most definitely will watch!
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