Period drama based on Chekhov's 1891 novella.
"The Duel gives pictorial life to a classic Chekhovian tale and brings much shrewd understanding to its ageless tale of temperamentally opposed 20-somethings acting out. Laevsky, a moody young aristocrat, and Nadya, his fickle (married) mistress, have retreated from the city to a summering spot by the Black Sea. Their growing mutual tetchiness catches the disapproving eye of Van Koren, a handsome zoologist (and avid Darwinian) working nearby. Shot gorgeously, in limpid, deep hues, in Croatia, the film is performed acutely well by a perfect ensemble of mainly English and Irish actors." (NZ International Film Festival 2011)
This austere adaptation of the Chekov novella starts of slow but builds gradually into a captivating tale of escalating mania.
Irish actor Andrew Scott (probably best known for his turn as Moriarty in the stellar Sherlock TV mini-series) has fun revelling in the petulant awfulness of his lead character Laevsky, a spolit aristocrat content to drink and gamble life away in his seaside government posting. Laevsky has grown tired of the woman (Fiona Glascott, projecting fair-skinned radiance) he wooed away from a marriage to another man, and is attempting to extricate himself from his situation.
As his un-chivalrous actions raise the ire of a zoologist (Tobias Menzies), leading to the inevitable titular showdown, they too tested my patience. I suppose it's kind of the point of the story, but it's tough to get too enthusiastic about a film when the protagonist is a colossal prick.
The Croatian locations on the other hand, are absolutely magical, lending the film a serene otherworldliness. And it's a real treat to see Young Sherlock Holmes himself, Nicholas Rowe, relishing a supporting role as one of Laevsky's hedonistic chums.
The acting is looser and much less mannered than the period setting might suggest, but the moral and ethical quandaries presented resonate more hypothetically than realistically. Still, they do resonate.
By Dominic Corry, Flicks.co.nz
As heavy and ponderous as a Russian novel. O wait! It is a Russian novel. Terrific acting and directing,heart-breakingly beautiful costuming and location, this movie really brings Chekov's novel alive. But don't go if you can't bring yourself to read Russian literature or you may find this less entertainment more a chore. I loved it!
It somehow isn't as exciting as a duel over a woman should be. If you're not well rested before entering the theater, it could put you under.
It's a pleasure simply to linger in the characters' company, or at least to watch them from just far enough away to observe them without being judged in return.
Somehow isn't as exciting as a duel over a woman should be.
The performances are excellent all around, with Scott mesmerizing as the emotionally volatile Laevsky and the gorgeous Glascott making vividly clear why her character drives all the surrounding men to distraction.
If it weren't for the masterful work of director Dover Kosashvili, this rich, evocative film wouldn't have nearly the impact it does.
Once again, Mr. Kosashvili mixes moments of bitterness and laughter with strong dramatic passages, creating a social milieu in The Duel that is believably inhabited, consistently surprising and true-feeling in detail and sweep.
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Thursday, 5th Jan 2012.
Release date: January 5th 2012.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
