"Uncle Vanya" is a wonderful bare bones adaptation of one of the theater's classic plays. Let's face it, the average American who had to read Checkov in some required high school English class, was probably bored to tears. Same with Ibsen, Shakespeare, O'Neill, and any other classic dramatist.
Mamet's adaptation gives us a "Vanya" that has truths that are universally identifiable. We can easily sympathize or empathize with all of the characters. This "toned down" version is perfect for getting the audience absorbed without having to rely on costumes or Russian settings.
Malle is at his best with this film. He tells the story simply, and allows his actors to take the time to find truth in the moment. Though you know that you are watching a presentation of a play, it never feels "staged" to the point of being false.
The acting is magnificent, all the way around. Larry Pine shines as the doctor who is a friend to Vanya. Julianne Moore is wonderful as the woman whom Vanya and the Doctor love.
My only problem with the film was the casting of Wallace Shawn as Vanya. His whiny voice and too often closed eyes irritated me to the point where I found his scenes difficult to watch.
This says a lot about the other performances and other aspects of the film. That to have a pivotal character be miscast, and yet find the rest of the film compelling, is a credit to the others involved.
Mamet's adaptation gives us a "Vanya" that has truths that are universally identifiable. We can easily sympathize or empathize with all of the characters. This "toned down" version is perfect for getting the audience absorbed without having to rely on costumes or Russian settings.
Malle is at his best with this film. He tells the story simply, and allows his actors to take the time to find truth in the moment. Though you know that you are watching a presentation of a play, it never feels "staged" to the point of being false.
The acting is magnificent, all the way around. Larry Pine shines as the doctor who is a friend to Vanya. Julianne Moore is wonderful as the woman whom Vanya and the Doctor love.
My only problem with the film was the casting of Wallace Shawn as Vanya. His whiny voice and too often closed eyes irritated me to the point where I found his scenes difficult to watch.
This says a lot about the other performances and other aspects of the film. That to have a pivotal character be miscast, and yet find the rest of the film compelling, is a credit to the others involved.