A historical drama that illustrates Russian author Leo Tolstoy's struggle to balance fame and wealth with his commitment to a life devoid of material things. The Countess Sofya, wife and muse to Leo Tolstoy, uses every trick of seduction on her husband's loyal disciple, whom she believes was the person responsible for Tolstoy signing a new will that leaves his work and property to the Russian people.
Acting
Mirren and Plummer's volcanic marriage—Oscar-nominated for a reason.
Costume
Sofya's desperate glamour versus Tolstoy's ascetic linen.
Director
Michael Hoffman
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Christopher Plummer had played Tolstoy once before in a 1979 TV miniseries—thirty years of preparation.
The real Chertkov became Soviet cinema's founding father; this film barely hints at his political future.
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