The first poster and trailer for Joe Wright‘s highly anticipated Anna Karenina were released today. After giving us two period pieces, which were both met with critical acclaim (Atonement and Pride and Prejudice), the director is back at it again with another period piece that is adapted from the Leo Tolstoy novel of the same name. The film will also act as Wright’s third effort with star Keira Knightley.
Though period pieces like this usually aren’t my thing, Anna Karenina does look like a true awards contender. Co-starring Jude Law, Aaron Johnson, Kelly Macdonald, Olivia Williams, Ruth Wilson and Holliday Grainger, the film looks to carry the same top notch production design seen in his previous efforts. Simply put, it looks like a beautiful film that will no doubt be pleasing to the eye.
Oscar-winning screenwriter/playwright Tom Stoppard (Brazil, Shakespeare in Love) has penned the script for this one and the story takes place in late-19th century Russia’s high-society setting. Like the novel, it tells the story of:
Anna Karenina (Knightley), a woman who maintains a passionless marriage to a well-respected aristocrat twenty years her senior, named Alexei Karenin (Law), in accordance with Russian social norms of the time. However, after sparks fly between Anna and an age-appropriate bachelor named Count Vronsky (Johnson), she gives thought to pursuing her own happiness – even at the high cost that would come with such a decision.
Though it’s not likely that the film will have mass appeal, I do see it striking a chord with critics as well as awards voters. And, if you enjoyed Wright and Knightley’s previous efforts, this one should be right up your alley.
Check out the post and trailer below and let us know what you think.
