Coming Soon: Anna Karenina

A love for literature is obviously the reason why I watch movies like Atonement and Pride & Prejudice, but this time Joe Wright amazed me by choosing a kind of different path with his adaptation of the Russian novel Anna Karenina. Aren’t there enough English novels to turn into an adaptation on screen, Mr. Wright? Or is it simply the power of Tolstoy’s emotional masterpiece that convinced him to sneak into the Russian literature instead of the British one?

The Russian story takes place in a setting of the high society of the 19^th century. When Anna Karenina (Keira Knightly) doubts about her relationship with her husband Alexei (Jude Law), she hopelessly falls in love with the young count Vronski (Aaron Johnson), whom she met at a ball. Not only does she risk to lose her husband and son, but it also causes an enormous impact on her own life. Tolstoy’s novel is often described as an exploration of impossible love and a passion between two people. Nevertheless, the image that strikes our mind when we hear the title of the novel is generally that of Anna’s suicide. A risky novel to adapt so it seems, but if I may believe the convincing force of the trailer, Joe Wright successively transformed three novels into wonderful movies. I guess the teacups will have to step aside and make room for the fur hats.

Release date Belgium: 13 march 2013

Coming Soon: The Great Gatsby

The renowned book by American author F. Scott Fitzgerald, with an overflow of glamour, decadence, love and hate, is soon to be released on screen by director Baz Luhrmann. This artist, probably best known for Moulin Rouge and Romeo+Juliet,  creates his own interpretation of the celebrated story with a setting in fabulous New York of the twenties. The great Gatsby follows Nick Carraway as he departs from the Midwest and moves to New York in 1922 in search of his own American dream. He ends up living next door to the millionaire Jay Gatsby, who continuously throws expensive parties for the upper class of New York City. Nick becomes the witness of an impossible love while he tries to capture the world of the super-rich and their uninterrupted illusions.

In addition to the fact that a marvellous novel is being put on screen, the cast is equally worth mentioning. Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire: a match of young and talented actors who will successfully represent the troubles of the twentieth century. Prepare for a journey with extravagant parties, Charleston costumes, excellent work of acting and a representation of our own modern determination and struggles.

Release date Belgium: 2 January 2013