Watch Anna Karenina

Anna Karenina, released in 1935, is a classic film adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's novel of the same name. The movie portrays the life of Anna Karenina, a beautiful woman married to an older affluent government official. Anna is unhappily married, and this leads to her falling in love with a young army officer, Count Vronsky, played by Fredric March.

Anna's husband is made aware of his wife's affair, and he gives her an ultimatum – to leave him and their son or to abandon Vronsky. Anna chooses the latter and leaves her husband, risking everything to be with Vronsky. However, as their relationship becomes public knowledge, society disapproves of their actions, and this puts a strain on their relationship. As the story progresses, Anna becomes increasingly bitter, and her inner turmoil leads her towards a tragic fate.

The lead role of Anna Karenina is played by the legendary Greta Garbo, known for her striking beauty and incredible acting ability. Garbo delivers a powerful and nuanced performance, effectively portraying Anna's inner conflict as she tries to reconcile her own desires and societal expectations. March also delivers a strong performance as Count Vronsky, capturing the character's charm and magnetism. Freddie Bartholomew, a child actor at the time, plays Anna's son, and his performance gives the story an added emotional depth.

The film is directed by Clarence Brown, who uses a variety of creative techniques to bring the story to life. The film uses a combination of static and moving camera shots, as well as innovative set designs to create distinct moods and atmospheres. Brown also employs the use of overlapping dialogue, a technique that adds to the realism of the dialogues.

The costume design in Anna Karenina is also noteworthy, with the stylish attire of the characters capturing the essence of the upper-class Russian society of the time. The art direction and set design are also impressive, transporting the audience to the lavish palaces and luxurious apartments frequented by Anna and her peers.

The film's highlight, however, is Garbo's stunning performance. From her first appearance on screen, she draws the viewer in with her magnetic presence, effortlessly portraying Anna's inner turmoil as she battles with her desire for love and the societal norms of her time. Whether through her micro-expressions or body language, Garbo is able to convey a range of emotions with an understated and natural style. Her performance adds a level of depth to the character and elevates the film to a level of cinematic excellence.

Anna Karenina received critical acclaim upon its release, with praise being directed towards Garbo's performance and Brown's direction. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $2 million, a significant amount for the time. In 1989, it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

In conclusion, Anna Karenina is a timeless classic that showcases the talents of some of the biggest names in cinema history. The film's themes of love and societal expectations are still relevant today, and Garbo's exceptional performance stands as a testament to her status as one of the greatest actors of her era.

Anna Karenina is a 1935 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.