Country Life (1994)

Adaptation of Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya" set in rural Australia in the 1920's. Jack Dickens and his niece Sally run the family farm to support brother-in-law Alexander as a (supposedly ... See full summary »

Director:

Michael Blakemore

Writer:

Michael Blakemore

Stars:

Sam Neill, Greta Scacchi, John Hargreaves

5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sam Neill	...	Dr. Max Askey
Greta Scacchi	...	Deborah Voysey
John Hargreaves	...	Jack Dickens
Kerry Fox	...	Sally Voysey
Michael Blakemore	...	Alexander Voysey
Googie Withers	...	Hannah
Patricia Kennedy	...	Maud Dickens
Ron Blanchard	...	Wally Wells
Robyn Cruze	...	Violet
Maurie Fields	...	Fred Livingstone
Bryan Marshall	...	Mr. Pettinger
Tony Barry	...	Logger
Terry Brady	...	Logger
Tom Long	...	Billy Livingstone
Rob Steele	...	James

Storyline

Adaptation of Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya" set in rural Australia in the 1920's. Jack Dickens and his niece Sally run the family farm to support brother-in-law Alexander as a (supposedly brilliant) literary critic in London. Action begins when Alexander returns with his beautiful young wife Deborah, revealing himself as an arrogant failure and wanting to sell the farm out from under Jack. Blakemore introduces themes about Australia's separation from England, as well as expanding the pacifist and ecological philosophies espoused by the local Doctor Max Askey.

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Plot Keywords:

australia | based on novel | independent film

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some sex-related scenes

Details

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 July 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Amours champêtres

Filming Locations:

Carcoar, New South Wales, Australia

Box Office

Gross:

$350,354 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Australian Film Finance Corporation (AFFC), Dalton Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

118 min 107 min (dvd release) (IFC library print)

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Film adaptation based on and including most of the cast of Michael Blakemore's National Theatre production of "Uncle Vanya".

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Quotes

Deborah Voysey: When shall we see you again?
Dr. Max Askey: As soon as your husband contracts his next fatal illness, I suppose.
Deborah Voysey: Then, in no time at all.

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Connections

Version of Dyadya Vanya (1971)

User Reviews

COUNTRY LIFE...uncle vanya in OZ...

i think that chekhov has been treated badly in many theatrical productions of this play, but this film and the welsh 'uncle vanya,' AUGUST, [with anthony hopkins] are beautiful and heartfelt versions of the story...those who think this is a "disappointing" film are not getting the point...the story is, in fact, about people who are very disappointed in life and love...get it???...chekhov takes a certain patience and maturity to understand...i'm happy that both these films and VANYA ON 42ND STREET were made...chekhov's characters are deep and tragic, but also shallow and comic...just like the rest of us, eh???...give it a looksee...and a chance...