Watch Keira Knightly In The Visually Stunning 'Anna Karenina' Trailer
by Shannon Keirnan
“I was eighteen when I got married. But it was not love.”
The trailer is out for the newest version of “Anna Karenina.” My love of classic adaptations makes me both particular and hopeful when I come across trailers like this, and Focus Features, as usual, satisfies my strange appetite.
If you’re not familiar, Leo Tolstoy’s novel follows the beautiful Karenina through her unhappy marriage, passionate love affair, and social downfall.
Keira Knightly stars as the opinionated, love-starved title character, alongside Jude Law’s carefully arranged staid husband hair, and Aaron Johnson’s rebellious mustache.
There are other lovely things to look at, however captivating that mustache may be. The trailer features some gorgeous scenery, beautiful and decadent costumes, and plenty of dancing.
There are a few odd moments, where the characters seem frozen into unusual bendy positions, but it’s more compelling and less “The Ring,” so I’m down for some experimental camera work.
The overall feel and musical score are decidedly Focus Features, but considering the film is from the same director as “Atonement” and “Pride and Prejudice,” that comes as no surprise. Actually, the only surprise in that area might have been if Keira Knightly hadn’t been cast as the heroine.
Other actresses might have been able to fill the shoes, but honestly, something about her stubborn mouth and abnormally long neck are well-suited to the role.
The cast also includes classic literature adaptation aficionado Matthew Macfadyen, who, interestingly, played Knightly’s love interest in Focus Features’ “Pride and Prejudice.” You might not have noticed the recycling of actors, because Macfadyen sports such an impressive mustache disguise, but hopefully it won’t bother or confuse anyone to see Mr. Darcy with some major facial hair.
Overall, the film looks promisingly delicious, joining the line-up of beautifully made adaptations that seem to be flooding the big screen lately.
Will the film hold up to competitors like “Les Miserables” and “Great Expectations?”