Anna Karenina Reviews

Anna Karenina: Huffington Post Review

Here's what the Huffington Post had to say about Matthew Macfadyen in Anna Karenina:

The more revelatory performances come from the supporting cast. Matthew [MacFadyen], who played Darcy to Knightley's Elizabeth in Pride & Prejudice, delights as her gregarious brother, Oblonsky.

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Anna Karenina: Latinos Post Review

The Latinos Post has reviewed Anna Karenina and here's what they had to say about Oblonsky's story:

The other side story that adds dimension to the film is Oblonsky and Dolly's failed marriage. Wright makes an interesting choice of making Oblonsky the comic relief in an otherwise grave story; and it is a brilliant choice to be sure. Matthew [Macfadyen] is unrecognizable behind his massive mustache, but his exuberance refreshes the story every time it moves into darker territory. More importantly, the fact that Oblonsky seems to be the jokester in the story balances well with his attitudes toward marriage and society. Kelly McDonald's Dolly is a more tragic character; she is a woman that must come to terms with the fact that the unhappiness in her marriage is her fate. But she is also left as comic relief as McDonald's delivery is often exaggerated to fit in with the style of that particular storyline.

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Even More Comments on Matthew's Performance in Anna Karenina

I've continued gathering the comments reviewers have to say about Matthew Macfadyen's memorable performance in Anna Karenina. Please see this previous post for even more reviews.

Cinevue
a welcome return to screens for Matthew Macfadyen

Front Row Reviews
Matthew Macfadyen (who plays Oblonsky, Anna’s brother with such comic conviction, it’s a welcome return to the big screen).

That Film Guy
Matthew Macfayden stands out, however, since Stiva is one of the few characters who’s consistently having fun, and he consequently has a lot of fun in the role, chewing scenery with aplomb.

I Heart The Talkies
while Matthew Macfadyen is well cast as Oblonsky.

London Evening Standard
Matthew Macfadyen is a hoot as the impenitent Oblonsky.

BBC Front Row Radio
and then Matthew Macfadyen gives this fantastically exhuberant performance as Anna's brother.
Matthew Macfadyen is particularly enjoyable

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The First Darcylician's Review of Anna Karenina

Forum member, deebee, was fortunate to attend the screening of Anna Karenina today at the British Library.

The following are some of the comments that she shared in the forum, especially what she had to say about Matthew Macfadyen:

Don’t be late when you get to see it, as Matthew opens the show! We know he has a minor role as Stiva, but he was in it more than I had anticipated and his wonderful comic performance got bags of laughs from the audience. I absolutely loved it, but think it will divide audiences. It was so refreshing to see JW’s adaptation. It is illustrious. Beautiful. The cinematography and the costume design is really quite wonderful.

He plays Stiva like a very naughty little boy that deserves a good spanking. Except you cannot help but feel that he would probably enjoy that too.

Thank you deebee!

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Some comments about Matthew Macfadyen in Anna Karenina by reviewers

I've compiled some comments made by the current majority of reviews that I could find. These are what the reviewers had to say about Matthew Macfadyen as Stiva Oblonsky in Anna Karenina

Mirror:
Matthew ­Macfadyen is a ­comedy delight as plump but philandering Oblonsky

Empire:
stand-outs include Law as Anna’s staid spouse (you’ll shudder at his little box) and a boisterous Macfadyen as Anna’s brother

Indiewire/Telegraph:
In an all-British cast, Matthew MacFadyen stands out as Anna’s horny, insouciant brother Oblonsky, while Jude Law pleasingly reins himself in as her husband Karenin -- a dull, virtuous public man.

The Playlist
Matthew MacFayden is enjoyably broad, a world away from his Mr. Darcy, as Oblonsky, threatening, but never quite managing to, tip into caricature, and his approach pays off beautifully with a single heartbreaking shot near the end.

Screendaily
a terrific performance by Matthew Macfadyen, offering genial comedy to the role

The Upcoming
the film also benefits from supporting roles played by Matthew Macfadyen, Kelly Macdonald, and Emily Watson.

Filmaluation
The supporting acting from Law, Kelly Macdonald, Matthew Macfadyen, Ruth Wilson and Domhnall Gleeson is committed.

Variety
Matthew Macfadyen, offering amusing comic relief

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