Watching Books: Anna Karenina (2012) - not enough Levin.

Anna Karenina is a magnificent character, straddling the line between hero and anti-hero in Leo Tolstoy's timeless literary masterpiece. With Tolstoy's exceptional talent and reputation as one of the greatest authors in history and the creative vision of an esteemed director, Joe Wright, responsible for bringing my beloved Pride and Prejudice to life on screen, it's no wonder that the film adaptation of Anna Karenina is an absolute delight to watch.

Although the novel is a work of art, one that I will not forget and one that I will turn to many times, it is not perfect. Reading Anna Karenina has been an immersive journey, taking me on a rollercoaster of emotions through its captivating ups and downs. The depth, thoughtfulness, and pain is woven into Anna's story left a profound impression on me, and I know I'll never forget this unforgettable character. In the film adaptation, Keira Knightley's portrayal of Anna deftly captures the raw intensity of those painful moments, staying true to both the tone and the profound messages conveyed in the film. As for the rest of the characters, they feel natural and authentic to the story even when they almost feel like a caricature of the characters in the film, Oblonsky being my favourite.

Adapting an almost 1000-page book into a film is no small feat, as it inevitably involves leaving out crucial potlines and scenes that readers may consider integral to the story. While the film adaptation of Anna Karenina does an admirable job of capturing the essence of the most critical parts of the novel, those who relished in the intricate nuances of Levin's character and storyline - which, in my opinion, constitute almost the heart of Anna Karenina - will be left wanting, as they are sparsely represented in the film. Still, as a film, it was enough for me to carry the overall idea of the novel through.

The unconventional structure of the film adaptation of Anna Karenina, which adopts an almost play-like staging, may initially come across as jarring to some viewers. However, I found this creative decision to be a refreshing and effective way of emphasizing the story's dramatic intensity. It provides a unique visual language that effectively conveys the gravity of the characters' situations, lending an extra layer of emotional depth to their interactions. Admittedly, this stylized approach does verge on being excessive at times, but I feel that it ultimately captures the essence of Tolstoy's novel while also serving as an exceptional work of cinema in its own right.

Anna Karenina, both the novel and the 2012 film adaptation, is a rich and powerful exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the social norms that govern them. The story delves into the depths of passion, love, and societal expectations, revealing the devastating consequences of going against the rigid rules of society, especially for women. However, at the same time, it also extols the virtues of following one's heart, living authentically, and forging meaningful connections based on mutual respect and shared values. I found the film's creative and unconventional approach to be a captivating and thought-provoking work of art that effectively conveyed the novel's timeless message. The stunning visuals, masterful performances, and thematic depth left a lasting impression on me, making it a truly memorable cinematic experience.

In conclusion, while I thoroughly enjoyed the 2012 film adaptation of Anna Karenina, I do not believe it to be a perfect film. Though the creative and stylized approach was visually stunning, it did not always successfully capture the subtleties of Tolstoy's complex characters and their motivations. However, the film's superb acting, led by Keira Knightley's mesmerizing portrayal of Anna, more than made up for any shortcomings in the storytelling. As someone who has read the novel, I must admit that the book remains my preferred medium for experiencing Tolstoy's masterpiece, as it allows for a deeper exploration of the intricacies of the characters and their relationships. Nevertheless, the film is still remarkable, offering a unique and powerful interpretation of one of the most enduring stories in literary history.

I read my first Tolstoy, here are my thoughts.

In preparation to reading Anna Karenina and War and Peace I wanted to first read a short Tolstoy book. But I was not expecting to like this one as much as I did. I read the Death of Ivan Ilyich.

This book is short. So much so that I wad able to read it in just a few hours. But it was filled with absolute truth and pain and beauty that I could not reading.

From the very beginning you know that Ivan Ilyich story ends in his death. From there, Tolstoy develops the how and more painfully, the why. Ilyich’s story is painful, he suffers from a chronic and fatal illness that will kill him but will also make his time on earth painful.

His monotonous life is filled with absurd doctor visits, inconvenient conversation and just the wait of death. For a time that is all there is; waiting death. Ivan does not want that, he wishes to survive. But he won’t. Death is inevitable.

And the realisation of death is more painful that the illness he suffers.

This book filled me with so much dread that it struck me with reality. We are all going to die. Some of us will suffer and that is reality.

It was a beautiful novel that will be with me for a long time. Tolstoy has already become a new favourite author, telling me a story of the inevitability of death and the unjust truth of life.