By Kummam Al-Maadeed

The remake of the Russian classic by Leo Tolstoy, ‘Anna Karenina’ arrives in theatres this week with an Oscar nominated cast. The story begins in 1874 when Anna (Keira Knightley), a Russian aristocrat, meets Count Vronsky (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) in a wondrous ball. Torn between her lover and her husband, Karenin (Jude Law), Anna must face the choice between love and social duties. At the same time a simple idealist landowner, Konstantin Levin (Domhnall Gleeson) pursues the love of young Princess Ekaterina ‘Kitty’ (Alicia Vikander); a journey which contrasts sin, virtue, passion and pure love.

This story is set in an artistic, theatrical style, as Joe Wright (Atonement, Pride & Prejudice) undertakes the challenge of bringing a Russian classic to life in a completely new way. The majority of the film was set on a theatre stage, which evolves and shifts with the addition of each new scene. The rhythmic pace of the changing stage is symbolic, representing the way social norms and rules push us to be actors and actresses living a scripted life. It feels unusual at first, but once you allow the melody of the stage to take you deeper into the story, you feel enchanted. This style of filmic expression draws you into the society’s routine and it’s very intriguing to see how Anna breaks this rhythm. Also the implementation of the stage is used as a reflection of Russia, the bright colourful center, represents the glamorous Russian society and culture while the dark backstage reflects the nation’s underbelly.

The cast of the film brings more life to the story, as Keira Knightley returns to work with Joe Wright after ‘Atonement’ and ‘Pride & Prejudice’ to deliver yet another brilliant performance; one that captures the essence of Anna’s troubled character. It even drives you to the question, what would I do if I was put in the same position? Jude Law also excels in his role as Karenin, a minister and a righteous man, who live by laws and norms. Karenin is a quiet man, only communicating his emotions through his facial expressions and body language, revealing his true sentiments.

The melody of the stage and the acting are accentuated with a rich soundtrack as Dario Marianelli (‘V for Vendetta’, ‘Atonement’, ‘Pride & Prejudice’) bewitch viewers with a Russian spell that seems to stop time, evident when Anna and Vronsky dance to his music. The costumes depict Russian society very well as we see Russian history brought to life in an accessible and compelling Hollywood movie.

Even though the story is fictional, the main themes of hypocrisy, love, social norms and infidelity resonate with truth. You cannot but notice the glimpse of the flames of the revolution rising in the background, as the story is set only 40 years prior to the Russian Revolution and the end of the aristocracy. Ultimately, the film is a great piece of cinema and one not to be missed.