The Last Station (2009)
The Last Station (2009) is a biographical drama film written and directed by Michael Hoffman, based on Jay Parini’s 1990 novel of the same name. The movie is a fictionalized portrayal of the final year of Russian author Leo Tolstoy’s life and explores the conflicts surrounding his legacy, philosophy, and personal relationships.
Plot Summary:
The film focuses on the last days of Leo Tolstoy (played by Christopher Plummer), the celebrated author of War and Peace and Anna Karenina, as he navigates tensions within his family and his devoted followers. At the heart of the story is the conflict between Tolstoy’s idealistic philosophy of pacifism, celibacy, and communal living, and the desires of his wife, Countess Sofya (Helen Mirren), who struggles to protect her husband’s literary rights and inheritance for their family.
Key Characters:
- Leo Tolstoy (Christopher Plummer): The aging author who becomes a figurehead for a growing social and spiritual movement, often at odds with his own personal desires and relationships.
- Countess Sofya Tolstoy (Helen Mirren): Tolstoy’s passionate and strong-willed wife, who is both devoted to him and fiercely opposed to the ideals of his followers.
- Valentin Bulgakov (James McAvoy): A young and idealistic follower of Tolstoy, hired as his personal secretary. Valentin becomes a key observer of the drama unfolding around Tolstoy.
- Vladimir Chertkov (Paul Giamatti): A close confidant of Tolstoy and leader of the Tolstoyan movement, Chertkov seeks to influence the author’s legacy in favor of his philosophy.
Themes:
- Ideals vs. Personal Relationships: The film examines the clash between Tolstoy’s philosophical beliefs and the practical, emotional needs of his wife and family.
- Legacy and Control: A central conflict revolves around who will control Tolstoy’s writings and legacy—his devoted wife or his followers.
- Love and Loyalty: The film also explores the enduring, albeit tumultuous, love between Tolstoy and Sofya despite their differences.
Highlights:
- Helen Mirren’s powerful performance as Sofya earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
- Christopher Plummer’s portrayal of Tolstoy was also critically acclaimed, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
- The film captures the beautiful rural landscapes of Russia and the emotional intensity of Tolstoy’s final days.
Reception:
Critics praised The Last Station for its strong performances, especially by Mirren and Plummer, and its thoughtful exploration of Tolstoy’s complex relationships. While some found the narrative occasionally heavy-handed, the movie was lauded for its emotional depth and historical detail. It remains a poignant look at the tension between personal convictions and human connections.
