THE LAST STATION  directed by Michael Hoffman (2009)

The prominence given to the image of Helen Mirren in this poster says a lot about where the real focus of this movie lies. Christopher Plummer as Tolstoy is reduced to little more than a supporting role.

This film is based on Jay Parini’s work of faction about the last year of Leo Tolstoy’s life in 1910.

The title refers to Astapovo railway station where Tolstoy died after a misguided, and belated, bid for peace and freedom from his claustrophobic marriage.

He was married to Sofya for 48 years and she bore him 13 children. The movie in part seems to want to show that, although their relationship deteriorated into a bitter feud, there was still a great deal of affection between the couple.

His wife is presented as manipulative, money grabbing and intolerant yet because she is played by Helen Mirren she also comes over as the most honest and likeable character in the movie. Continue reading →