My perception of the film was greatly influenced by the close familiarity with Pushkin's novel-in-verse I've acquired through numerous readings of the text both in Russian (my native tongue) and in several English translations. Thus, (nitpicking?)comparison of the cinematographic version to the literary original was pretty inevitable as I watched the film. I'm surprised by all the positive reviews I see here for I think that this movie is simply pathetic and laughable. Its portrayal of the characters, the times, the themes is grossly inadequate. Most importantly, it completely misses the mood (or, rather, the many moods) of the novel. Too many of the interpretations on the part of the director and actors are preposterous, and - worst of all - one-sided. The vapid Liv Tyler is entirely unfit for the role of passionate Tatyana, and, as a result, her performance is a miserable failure. For one, Tatyana wouldn't be caught dead singing cheesy Russian romance songs. Fiennes as Onegin doesn't deliver either. The duel scene, while visually impressive, is painfully out-of-place and overdramatized. The very atmosphere of the film is ridiculously misrepresented...
Although I couldn't keep a sardonic grin away practically for the entire duration of the movie, I realize that I may be misjudging the value of the film and the achievements of the filmmakers because of my preconceived ideas of what "Onegin" should be on screen or on stage. Undoubtedly, attempting to render an authentic portrayal of the work that serves (almost unarguably) as the foundation of modern Russian literature and trying to depict with accuracy the most renowned (anti)hero of Russian literature - Onegin - is a great (unsurmountable?) challenge. Does that mean that any attempt should be met with admiration nevertheless? I'm still trying to decide.
The film suffered from the incredible hype that preceded its premiere because it did not live up to the expectations of most who impatiently awaited its release.
Although I couldn't keep a sardonic grin away practically for the entire duration of the movie, I realize that I may be misjudging the value of the film and the achievements of the filmmakers because of my preconceived ideas of what "Onegin" should be on screen or on stage. Undoubtedly, attempting to render an authentic portrayal of the work that serves (almost unarguably) as the foundation of modern Russian literature and trying to depict with accuracy the most renowned (anti)hero of Russian literature - Onegin - is a great (unsurmountable?) challenge. Does that mean that any attempt should be met with admiration nevertheless? I'm still trying to decide.
The film suffered from the incredible hype that preceded its premiere because it did not live up to the expectations of most who impatiently awaited its release.