KCTribune: THE LAST STATION

While his high-minded, anti-materialistic philosophical outlook influenced the likes of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Tolstoy, who lived to be 82, enjoyed pleasures of life right up to the end.

“The Last Station” is a beautifully produced adaptation of Jay Parini’s novel, a blend of fact and fiction that deals with the final months of the acclaimed writer’s life.

But Tolstoy, deftly played by Christopher Plummer (“The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus”), is not the focus of the plot. The main character is on a 23-year-old lad who becomes the author’s new personal secretary.

The naive Valentin Bulgakov, played by James McAvoy (“Atonement”), is an awestruck believer whose idealism is sorely tested as he observes the soap opera that unfolds before him.

Valentin witnesses a titanic struggle between Tolstoy’s selfish and domineering wife Sofya (Helen Mirren from “State of Play”) and a conniving hanger on named Vladimir Chertkov (Paul Giamatti from “Cold Souls.”)

Tolstoy wants to leave his estate to a “movement,” run by Chertkov, which will promote the ideals laid out in his writings. Sofya, who suspects Chertkov’s motives and considers him an interloper, wants to make sure that she and her children are cared for.

Will Tolstoy change his will?

The all-too-human conflict over power and money flies in the face of Tolstoy’s magnanimity, causing some followers in the kibbutz-like compound to lose faith.

One of the doubters is a pretty resident of this progressive community named Masha (Karry Condon from TV’s “Rome”), who introduces Valentin to the wonderful world of sex.

Soon, Valentin becomes a pawn in the edgy chess match between the outspoken Sofya and the conniving Chertkov, and carries on as Tolstoy’s health deteriorates. The duo battles over controlling his death as they did over controlling his life.

Director Michael Hoffman (“The Emperor’s Club”) lets the pace of his film lag a bit, but he draws terrific performances from his first-rate ensemble.

Plummer brings a sweet bonhomie to his character and McAvoy, who has the most difficult role, is equally likable. Giamatti is splendid as a skilled manipulator who comes off like a carpetbagger.

But the movie belongs to Mirren. In the hands of a lesser actress, Sofya would be nothing more than an oppressive bore. Mirren imbues her with so much humanity that you’re willing to look past her annoying self-absorbtion.

Although the pace is erratic and the climax seems contrived, “The Last Station” is worth a stop along the way. (R) Rating: ***1/2

* Avoid at all costs
** Only if you're bored
*** Good movie
**** Well worth your time
***** Be sure to see