Rating: 
Summary: TREACHERY AND LOVE COMPETE FOR CHESS GENIUS' LIFE
Review: The talented John Turturro and Emily Watson head an excellent cast delicately directed by Marleen Gorris to tell the story of THE LUZHIN DEFENCE. The Russian chess genius, Luzhin is believably played by Turturro whose range is unbelievably broad and convincing. Story: Alexander (Sacha) Luzhin, a disheveled and erratic chess master [reminiscent of the main character, musical genius in SHINE] arrives at a resort in the Italian Lakes to compete in the world chess championships. He had visited the same resort many years earlier with his cold and distant parents who we meet in frequent flashbacks. Childhood memories disturb Luzhin during his stay. Among the guests at the resort is the beautiful Natalia (Watson), hounded by her mother (Geraldine James) to the search for a class perfect husband. Believing the handsome Stassard (Christopher Thompson) is the perfect candidate, Natalia's mother is horrified when she pursues a relationship with Luzhin after he spontaneously declares his love for her and he proposes marriage to her across a fence at a tennis court. As the final contest of the chess tournament approaches, Luzhin's treacherous former mentor Valentinov (Stuart Wilson) arrives at the resort and plots to destroy his game; and, indeed, his life. Alexander's complicated relationships with Natalia, his parents and his mentor are all explored in the movie. But only one is explored to a satisfactory level -- his relationship with chess itself. The movie is reduced by some flawed stereotypes such as the villainous Valentinov and the society-obsessed mother. These distract from what is essentially a dark story of humans using each other as pawns in a game. Also on the negative side of the ledger is the absurd inaccuracey of the Lanc Hid (Chain Bridge) juxtaposed with the Millenium Park in Budapest, Hungary. The two places are several miles apart but in THE LUZHIN DEFENCE, Director Gorris changes the city for the sake of a departure shot. That' simply not honest. On the positive side, the rhythms of Vladimir Nabokov's prose (in a screenplay by Peter Berry) conveys the the sad, sometimes comic, story. Luzhin's White Russian emigre class are a people so cultivated and refined that wherever they travel they feel at home. But for poor Luzhin, his crippling by neuroses will not allow him to participate in this life. Turturro, as usual, is superb. He could have turned Luzhin into a highly amusing freak show, and it would have been great fun but it would have ruined the movie. He keeps Luzhin's pathos clearly in focus. We can feel the torment that Luzhin undergoes so crushingly that we must admire his noble battle to stand up to oppressors not only all around him, but from his own mind. Turturro's tenderness, even romance are not associated with any of his earlier works. It's a great performance in a hypnotic movie. This movie is worth seeing because of its ethereal novelty and virtuoso performances by Turturro and Watson.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent
Review: This film is an adaptation of a masterpiece chess novel, Vladimir Nabokov's The Defense. Director Marleen Gorris has put together a film that is both faithful to the novel and remarkably original. John Turturro is perfect as the lonely, unbalanced chess master, Aleksandr Ivanovich Luzhin, who is contending for the world champion title. A few days before the tournament begins, a young woman, Natalia (Emily Watson), hands him the chess pieces that have fallen out of his pocket. Luzhin is so captivated and so sure that she can turn his life around that he proposes marriage without so much as introducing himself. Natalia sees beyond his eccentricities and gives him a chance. The relationship between Luzhin and Natalia is much more developed and intense than it is in the novel. The lead actors effectively and believeably portray this unusual relationship. Much of Nabokov's story is missing from the film. However, the viewer never loses the sense that there is some hope for Luzhin -- something that is decidedly lacking in the novel. From the outset, it is clear to the viewer that Luzhin is suffering a pathological chess obsession. The stakes in his chess games are entirely psychological and are unbearably high. The chess match scenes in this film are mesmerizing. The chess moves, and the facial expressions and gestures of the players are well worth watching. The final scene in the film is original and satisfying. This is a film which appeals to the viewer's intelligence and sensitivity. It is one of the best I've seen in years.
Rating:
Summary: An outstanding film
Review: This film is an adaptation of a masterpiece chess novel, Vladimir Nabokov's The Defense. Director Marleen Gorris has put together a film that is both faithful to the novel and remarkably original. John Turturro is perfect as the lonely, unbalanced chess master, Aleksandr Ivanovich Luzhin, who is contending for the world champion title. A few days before the tournament begins, a young woman, Natalia (Emily Watson), hands him the chess pieces that have fallen out of his pocket. Luzhin is so captivated and so sure that she can turn his life around that he proposes marriage without so much as introducing himself. Natalia sees beyond his eccentricities and gives him a chance. The relationship between Luzhin and Natalia is much more developed and intense than it is in the novel. The lead actors effectively and believeably portray this unusual relationship. Much of Nabokov's story is missing from the film. However, the viewer never loses the sense that there is some hope for Luzhin -- something that is decidedly lacking in the novel. From the outset, it is clear to the viewer that Luzhin is suffering a pathological chess obsession. The stakes in his chess games are entirely psychological and are unbearably high. The chess match scenes in this film are mesmerizing. The chess moves, and the facial expressions and gestures of the players are well worth watching. The final scene in the film is original and satisfying. This is a film which appeals to the viewer's intelligence and sensitivity. It is one of the best I've seen in years.
Rating:
Summary: Love, Life, Chess...and......Obsession!
Review: This review refers to the Columbia/TriStar DVD edition of "The Luzhin Defence"...... I'm not sure how I missed this little gem the last few years, but I'm glad I finally found it. I was browsing through the mark downs at my local video store and this one practically had flashing red lights. It is directed by Marleen Gorris, who I knew had directed another of my favorites("Antonia's Line") and to boot it starred two brillant actors...John Turturro and Emily Watson. It had to be worth a try....and well worth it, it was! It's a deep and complex story, with characters that will draw you in with their every word and action. John Turturro is Alexander Luzhin. An eccentric but brillant chess player, who life consists of nothing else. He is called "The Maestro", by others in his circle, admired for his genius and expert abilities. He lives, thinks, breathes, even sleeps, nothing else. Basically he has been obsessed, since the age of ten.That is until the wonderful Natalia(Watson), turns his thoughts to love and marriage.In a very short time, she seems to be the one who understands him, and cares deeply and is able to introduce him to the wonders of life outside of the chess world. They will be married as soon as he wins the most prestigious match in Italy. But life takes another turn for Luzhin, when a mysterious man from his past turns up and is out to destroy him. The storyline becomes one of intrigue as this real life chess match becomes more serious with each move. Miss Gorris engages us from start to finish.The love scenes are beautiful and touching, the mystery captivating, and the characters are very real. The ending was totally unexpected and took my breath away. Turturro is nothing less than brillant in his portrayal of this eccentirc, complex being. Emily Watson shines as the woman he finds solace with. Together they have a magnificent chemstry.Two others I must mention are Alexander Hunting, who's performance as the young Luzhin was remarkable and Alexandre Desplat who adds beautiful music to go along with this beautiful story. The DVD is very nice. Excellent pictue in Widescreen(1.85:1), rich colors and fabulous sound in DD5.1(you also have the choice of 2-channel Dolby surround)..follow the chess pieces through the menu to choose. Features include Dircetors commentary, a making of featurette(there wasn't much to this), some theatrical trailers and has subtitles in French, English and Spanish for those needing them. This is a definate keeper. One I will probably view often, maybe even to the point of obsession!...enjoy....Laurie
Rating:
Summary: Love, Life, Chess...and......Obsession!
Review: This review refers to the Columbia/TriStar DVD edition of "The Luzhin Defence"...... I'm not sure how I missed this little gem the last few years, but I'm glad I finally found it. I was browsing through the mark downs at my local video store and this one practically had flashing red lights. It is directed by Marleen Gorris, who I knew had directed another of my favorites("Antonia's Line") and to boot it starred two brillant actors...John Turturro and Emily Watson. It had to be worth a try....and well worth it, it was! It's a deep and complex story, with characters that will draw you in with their every word and action. John Turturro is Alexander Luzhin. An eccentric but brillant chess player, who life consists of nothing else. He is called "The Maestro", by others in his circle, admired for his genius and expert abilities. He lives, thinks, breathes, even sleeps, nothing else. Basically he has been obsessed, since the age of ten.That is until the wonderful Natalia(Watson), turns his thoughts to love and marriage.In a very short time, she seems to be the one who understands him, and cares deeply and is able to introduce him to the wonders of life outside of the chess world. They will be married as soon as he wins the most prestigious match in Italy. But life takes another turn for Luzhin, when a mysterious man from his past turns up and is out to destroy him. The storyline becomes one of intrigue as this real life chess match becomes more serious with each move. Miss Gorris engages us from start to finish.The love scenes are beautiful and touching, the mystery captivating, and the characters are very real. The ending was totally unexpected and took my breath away. Turturro is nothing less than brillant in his portrayal of this eccentirc, complex being. Emily Watson shines as the woman he finds solace with. Together they have a magnificent chemstry.Two others I must mention are Alexander Hunting, who's performance as the young Luzhin was remarkable and Alexandre Desplat who adds beautiful music to go along with this beautiful story. The DVD is very nice. Excellent pictue in Widescreen(1.85:1), rich colors and fabulous sound in DD5.1(you also have the choice of 2-channel Dolby surround)..follow the chess pieces through the menu to choose. Features include Dircetors commentary, a making of featurette(there wasn't much to this), some theatrical trailers and has subtitles in French, English and Spanish for those needing them. This is a definate keeper. One I will probably view often, maybe even to the point of obsession!...enjoy....Laurie
Rating:
Summary: One Of The Best Movies In Chess Ever Made
Review: Very good plot, magnificent scenic views, superb acting of both John Turturro & Emily Watson, very worthwhile to watch, great movie overall!
Rating:
Summary: One of the most beautiful
Review: Visually. And emotionally. One of the most beautiful and rewarding films I've ever seen. Equal in quality and power to "In the Belly of an Architect." Man against himself. The value of love. Individuality in thought and courage. Style in losing (not saying by whom). Vladimir Nabokov created the original novel, Peter Berry wrote the screenplay (why are writers downplayed so much?), and Marlene Gorris directed. More credit yet to the cinematographer and to fine actors Emily Watson and John Turturro (he's good enough to deserve a slot on "The Sopranos"). An easy five stars.
Rating: 
Summary: "Loose adaptation" : Nabokov :: Chess : Love
Review: While excellent as a period-piece romance, this movie bears little semblance in substance or form to Nabokov's great novel of the same name. Of all Nabokov's novels, "The Luzhin Defence" is without doubt one of the worst candidates for adaptation to play or screen, because it deals so intimately-and so bravely-with the private obsessions of its protagonist, obsessions that are unconveyable on film by virtue of the medium. Movie characters cannot be seen to think; they may only speak. The illustration, foremost in my mind, of where the book succeeds and the movie fails, is the penultimate scene, where Luzhin plummets to his death. In the movie, Luzhin's leap is only tenuously accounted for by his actions and thoughts. The idea in the movie is that Luzhin is so distraught that the business of life must supplant the business of chess, because playing chess makes him ill, that he kills himself. He has lost so much of his life to an immersion in chess that at this stage there is no turning back; no readmission into society, no retracing of the lost years into a normal existence is possible. He cannot re-learn his lifestyle and mode of existence, an understanding that rocks him to the very core. He cannot be happy without chess and he cannot be healthy with it, so the only way for him is an end to it all in suicide. Nabokov's brings his character to somewhat similar conclusions, but in a much more vivid way. Where in the movie Luzhin's silent motives can only be guessed at through inference, in the novel the solipsistic universe of the fat chess genius (yes, he is fat in the novel) is laid bare, with all its crevasses and mountaintops intact. This, in fact, is the virtue and purpose of the novel as a form. It is limited in that it cannot show actual, physical things to the reader, but in exchange the author has supreme control over his characters' actions and thoughts. Nabokov is a novelist, and exploits the novel's virtues and possibilities like a master. His novels are not prose dramas. They are novels, whole novels, and nothing but novels. Because Nabokov is so on the side of the novel, and not the drama (although he wrote a few plays in his life, including a script for "Lolita"), a metamorphosis into spoken lines is very likely to be suspect. As a result, the movie, in comparison with the book, comes off as shallow and unworthy of its title, especially given the director's own admission in the commentary included on the DVD that the script is a "loose" adaptation of the novel. Absent are the flares of Nabokov's bewildering inspiration and, notably, his consciousness of the kalidescope of hidden combinations, feints, bluffs, and traps that characterize chess and inform the very construction of the novel. Yet as a "loose" adaptation, "The Luzhin Defence" is better than decent. Though the stock character of the evil former chess teacher is an obvious lowlight, Emily Watson and John Turturro are excellent, as is the cinematography. It just would have made more sense if the movie's title were something other than "The Luzhin Defence," because Nabokov's novel it is not.
| 
