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Onegin Movie Review

Cast & Crew

Producer : Simon Bosanquet, Ileen Maisel

Screenwriter : Peter Ettedgui, Michael Ignatieff

Starring : Ralph Fiennes, Liv Tyler, Toby Stephens, Lena Headey, Martin Donovan

Barry Lyndon meets Doctor Zhivago. And not in a good way.

Russkie aristocat Eugene Onegin (Fiennes) finds himself the unwilling target of Tatiana's (Tyler) love. He rejects her, misunderstandings ensue, duels are fought, tears are wept, everyone is bummed, end of film. Much of Onegin is shot in mute silence, probably an overwrought symbol of some kind I was too lazy to pick up on. The filmmakers are blatant Merchant-Ivory wannabes, and the story of Onegin is so not worth telling that one struggles to stay awake for even a fraction of the running time. Thank God for the lush photography, even if the sound is turned off.

On the acting front, Tyler again proves she has all the talent of a rock star's daughter (er, wait a minute), and the bulk of the film comes off as a showcase for Fiennes handsome mug.... which sounds strange until you discover the director is his sister.

How do you like that for symbolism?

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Comments View all comments (1)

14th August 2005 22:35 jacksprat (1)

	Onegin was the very best film I have ever seen. The beauty of the scenery,music,costumes and the incredible portrayal by Ralph and Liv drew me in as no other film has managed to do. I can watch the film over and over again which is something I have only ever been able to do on very odd occasions in the past. I think Ralph Fiennes is a brilliant actor who gets under your skin with a screen presence that few of todays actors have. I think Martha Fiennes has worked wonders and say thank you for such a talented family.