Some movies are difficult to particularly describe. That could be on account of density in the narrative or craft, the sheer abundance of value (or lack thereof), specificity in the storytelling, or any other possible factors. With 'Vanya on 42nd Street,' there's just so much going on here, and all of it is so excellent, that I rather find myself at a loss for words. Who is most to thank for how brilliant and absorbing this picture is? One could reasonably say it's the cast acting in the play, each of whom turn in extraordinary and powerful performances of vibrant range, nuance, and personality to bring their characters and the story to life. The moment one focuses on a single player, in the next someone else is just as inspiring. Wallace Shawn, Julianne Moore, George Gaynes, Larry Pine, Brooke Smith, and the others demonstrate marvelous skill that is a true joy to behold as a viewer. Yet they are not alone in shaping this rendition of the drama. Andre Gregory, a masterful artist in many capacities, oversees the theatrical production with a natural ease, grace, and warmth that's both engrossing and disarming; would that one could have had the opportunity to see him work the stage! But what of Louis Malle? To spend any appreciable amount of time exploring cinema one is certain to come across Malle's name and his body of work, and his considerable reputation. There can be no doubt that this reputation is well deserved, and his mindful, meticulous approach to 'Vanya on 42nd Street' allows every emotion, every detail in the production, to flourish. From start to finish this is wholly enthralling.
And still, none of this would be possible without Anton Chekhov's original work published almost 100 years prior. 'Uncle Vanya' is a tale of stunning human drama: ignorance, failure, unresolved feelings, regret, disconsolation. The characters, their interactions, and the plot as a whole boast searing intensity that's splendidly rich - deeply satisfying, and rewarding, as one watches. Stark complexity courses through the storytelling and the themes, at once transporting the audience as we become invested but also underscoring a dour universality that quietly reveals itself. That latter point, it should be said, is accentuated by Gregory's production of the play, and by Malle's filming of it: a rundown theater, a bare-bones set that is more easily trod upon than the average stage, the street clothes, all of which suggest a more loose, open flow of ideas to and from and between people, cast and audience alike. As if to emphasize the point, 'Vanya on 42nd Street' flips so smoothly and unobtrusively from light patter preceding the start of the play, to beginning the first act, that in the moment it's easy to miss that there was any transition at all. With all this said - frankly, it's brilliant.
This is a movie for theater lovers, for art lovers, for those with utmost admiration of cinema as an art form. Those who struggle with the loftier side of the medium may not find this very appealing. For those receptive to what it has to offer, however, 'Vanya on 42nd Street' is an outstanding feature, with tremendous contributions from all, that is worth watching even if you have to go out of your way for it. Bravo!
And still, none of this would be possible without Anton Chekhov's original work published almost 100 years prior. 'Uncle Vanya' is a tale of stunning human drama: ignorance, failure, unresolved feelings, regret, disconsolation. The characters, their interactions, and the plot as a whole boast searing intensity that's splendidly rich - deeply satisfying, and rewarding, as one watches. Stark complexity courses through the storytelling and the themes, at once transporting the audience as we become invested but also underscoring a dour universality that quietly reveals itself. That latter point, it should be said, is accentuated by Gregory's production of the play, and by Malle's filming of it: a rundown theater, a bare-bones set that is more easily trod upon than the average stage, the street clothes, all of which suggest a more loose, open flow of ideas to and from and between people, cast and audience alike. As if to emphasize the point, 'Vanya on 42nd Street' flips so smoothly and unobtrusively from light patter preceding the start of the play, to beginning the first act, that in the moment it's easy to miss that there was any transition at all. With all this said - frankly, it's brilliant.
This is a movie for theater lovers, for art lovers, for those with utmost admiration of cinema as an art form. Those who struggle with the loftier side of the medium may not find this very appealing. For those receptive to what it has to offer, however, 'Vanya on 42nd Street' is an outstanding feature, with tremendous contributions from all, that is worth watching even if you have to go out of your way for it. Bravo!