I had a chance to see the new Anna Karenina movie at our local cinema this afternoon and I’d highly recommend it. The acting is a bit variable but the conception, the beautiful theatrical sets, Joe Wright’s direction, and Tom Stoppard’s script are wonderful. Of course the book’s themes have had to be heavily edited and truncated but, for the most part, the film is moving and engaging.
Jude Law is effective as Karenin and Aaron Taylor-Johnson is well-cast. Ms. Knightley looks wonderful, of course, but is too limited an actress for this role.