Whoever cast Tatyana Samojlova as Anna has some explaining to do. This film would be beautiful if it weren't for the star, who completely ruins every scene she's in. She is a terrible actress and her unattractiveness is a serious problem, as we are supposed to love Anna's grace and beauty. This is why her character is so tragic: this great beauty married to an old bore - we're supposed to understand why she follows her heart and goes for Vronsky, and even sort of root for her, believing she deserves her 'grand amour.' None of this comes through as you just hate Anna and her gigantic head. The film is ruined. Nepotistic casting at its most pernicious!
Review of Anna Karenina
