Maggie on the Movies

Thanks to the Desert Sky in GV for bringing small Indie films to town, avoiding having to drive to the Loft. AND they gave me free admittance on my birthday.

The Last Station is the story of Russian writer and icon, Leo Tolstoy's last months. Staring Christopher Plummer and Helen Mirren, it portrays their struggle to resolve vast differences in philosophy. Sophia, wanting to preserve the land and valuables collected over 48 years of marriage, is opposed to Leo's desire to have a life devoid of material things. Her feud is really with Vladmir Chertkov, played with determination by Paul Giamatti. Chertkov wants Tolstoy to rewrite his will to give the rights to his body of work to "the people".

The acting is superb by the entire ensemble. Oscar candidates: Christopher Plummer for Performance of an Actor in a Supporting Role and Helen Mirren Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role. This a a great example of: how to they determine Leading Role verses Supporting Role? IMO the role of Tolstoy was a leading role.