Vanya on 42nd Street

Rating:
Summary: Less is so much more
Review: Modern dress, an emprty, crumbling theatre, and an incredibly brilliant ensemble bring David Mamet's "loose adaptation" of Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya" to the screen, under the direction of Louis Malle. According to the script, it's the first full run of the play. It's so simple, so clean, so clear, and absolutely riveting. Each role is played to the fullest, with Julianne Moore a stand-out in a beautifully subtle, detailed performance. Those who feel Chekhov doesn't speak to today's world need to see this film.

Rating:
Summary: Less is so much more
Review: Modern dress, an emprty, crumbling theatre, and an incredibly brilliant ensemble bring David Mamet's "loose adaptation" of Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya" to the screen, under the direction of Louis Malle. According to the script, it's the first full run of the play. It's so simple, so clean, so clear, and absolutely riveting. Each role is played to the fullest, with Julianne Moore a stand-out in a beautifully subtle, detailed performance. Those who feel Chekhov doesn't speak to today's world need to see this film.

Rating:
Summary: See this Vanya
Review: This film removes the old stigma surrounding Chekhov and allows audiences of all ages and backgrounds to access the brilliance, pain, laughter, and humanity of his work. It may even motivate some viewers to seek out more of his writings. The direction by Louis Maller, the translation by David Mamet and all of the performances are the most gripping, realistic, entrancing I've ever seen of "Uncle Vanya". It shows what can be achieved with no set, no costumes, just great actors, with a great script, doing what they do best.
SEE THIS FILM!

Rating:
Summary: See this Vanya
Review: This film removes the old stigma surrounding Chekhov and allows audiences of all ages and backgrounds to access the brilliance, pain, laughter, and humanity of his work. It may even motivate some viewers to seek out more of his writings. The direction by Louis Maller, the translation by David Mamet and all of the performances are the most gripping, realistic, entrancing I've ever seen of "Uncle Vanya". It shows what can be achieved with no set, no costumes, just great actors, with a great script, doing what they do best.
SEE THIS FILM!

Rating:
Summary: a delight
Review: This is a very rare film that puts across the real feeling and impact of a night at the play. Thanks to the great direction by Malle, the terrific adaptation by David Mamet of Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya", and the unpretentious yet highly skilled and dedicated cast, this is a feast for lovers of good drama.

Rating:
Summary: Not to be missed.
Review: Wallace Shawn, Julianne Moore, Brooke Smith, and the rest of the cast do amazing work. Even in their street clothes the actors seem to inhabit the lives of their characters.