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This stirring 1994 work by Louis Malle brought the legendary French filmmaker into another collaboration with actors-writers-directors Andre Gregory and Wallace Shawn, scribes and stars of the great My Dinner with Andre. The situation here is that Shawn and Gregory were participants in a years-long, informal project remounting a production of Chekhov's Uncle Vanya every few months for select friends and the general worthiness of the idea. Wearing street clothes and strolling to a crumbling New Amsterdam theater on Broadway, actors Shawn, Julianne Moore, George Gaynes, Brooke Smith, Larry Pine, Phoebe Brand, Lynn Cohen, and others would do a full run of the text (as sharply translated by David Mamet) while a beaming Gregory (the play's director) looked on. Malle--who died following this film--spent a few days transforming the theatrical experiment into a viable film that maintained the company's unusual purpose and spirit. The result is something between a narrative feature and a documentary about an acting workshop, and is both highly entertaining and cinematically enthralling. A terrific final note in Malle's distinguished career, this is a must-see for anyone who cared about his work or who has a passion for Chekhov. --Tom Keogh
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
By Book Nut
Format:DVD
A rewarding film for theatre and film fans. The acting was top-notch. This movie came out quite a while ago, but has aged very well.
By Noakim
Format:VHS Tape
A well-conceived film with an overall enjoyable cast. The best performance belongs to Brooke Smith (kidnappee in Silence of the Lambs) who perfectly portrays the heartbreaking experience of a "plain" woman with a love unrequited. Wallace Shawn is also commendable, and the character roles of Nanny and Waffles are played superbly.
However, I give this movie 4 rather than 5 stars chiefly because I was not thrilled with the performances of Julianne Moore and Larry Pine. Moore doesn't quite exude/possess enough charm and attraction to match that of her character who supposedly turns the existence of those around her upside down. And her repeated laughs seemed unnatural. Pine's Dr. Astrov likewise failed to invoke the reverence that the female characters attribute to him. He was a bit too "Bogart" and dated.
The film does have enough to stand up to repeated viewings.
However, I give this movie 4 rather than 5 stars chiefly because I was not thrilled with the performances of Julianne Moore and Larry Pine. Moore doesn't quite exude/possess enough charm and attraction to match that of her character who supposedly turns the existence of those around her upside down. And her repeated laughs seemed unnatural. Pine's Dr. Astrov likewise failed to invoke the reverence that the female characters attribute to him. He was a bit too "Bogart" and dated.
The film does have enough to stand up to repeated viewings.
By Timothy King
Format:DVD
This film removes the old stigma surrounding Chekhov and allows audiences of all ages and backgrounds to access the brilliance, pain, laughter, and humanity of his work. It may even motivate some viewers to seek out more of his writings. The direction by Louis Maller, the translation by David Mamet and all of the performances are the most gripping, realistic, entrancing I've ever seen of "Uncle Vanya". It shows what can be achieved with no set, no costumes, just great actors, with a great script, doing what they do best.
SEE THIS FILM!
SEE THIS FILM!
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4.6 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mamet and Malle make a winner!
I remembered loving this "small" film when I saw it in the theater, so I knew I'd be happy with the DVD, whether it had any extras or not (it doesn't). Read more
Published on Sep 30 2002 by Charles S. Houser
5.0 out of 5 stars
Less is so much more
Modern dress, an emprty, crumbling theatre, and an incredibly brilliant ensemble bring David Mamet's "loose adaptation" of Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya" to the... Read more
Published on Mar 12 2002 by S. West
5.0 out of 5 stars
Less is so much more
Modern dress, an emprty, crumbling theatre, and an incredibly brilliant ensemble bring David Mamet's "loose adaptation" of Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya" to the... Read more
Published on Mar 12 2002 by S. West
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not to be missed.
Wallace Shawn, Julianne Moore, Brooke Smith, and the rest of the cast do amazing work. Even in their street clothes the actors seem to inhabit the lives of their characters.
Published on May 7 2001 by Trent Stephenson
5.0 out of 5 stars
A tremendous feat of cinematic and theatrical imagination.
Director Louis Malle, a decade or so after My Dinner with Andre, teamed once again with Andre Gregory and Wallace Shawn to create Vanya on 42nd Street, and the second film is... Read more
Published on Sep 10 2000 by Miles D. Moore
5.0 out of 5 stars
Prepare to be delightfully ambushed by this film
I found that this film sneaked up on me, and by Act II I was captivated. I've thought about it so many times since then. Guess I will have to buy it. Acting, acting, acting!
Published on Dec 6 1999 by Susan M. Dunn
5.0 out of 5 stars
a delight
Director Andre Gregory has quietly been rehersing a group of superb actors in an abandoned theatre on 42nd street. Read more
Published on Sep 19 1999
5.0 out of 5 stars
A complete and total surprise
I have never been a major fan of art films. I literally stumbled onto this film while channel-surfing. Read more
Published on Sep 14 1999
5.0 out of 5 stars
Funny, Moving, and Riveting
This is a very rare film that puts across the real feeling and impact of a night at the play. Thanks to the great direction by Malle, the terrific adaptation by David Mamet of... Read more
Published on May 1 1999 by R. W. Rasband
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