Anna Karenina Review - 3½ Stars

Keira Knightley takes the title role in this creative adaptation of Tolstoy’s 1877 novel about adultery in high Russian society.  Anna starts as a virtuous woman married to a government official who feels a spark when she meets cavalry officer Count Vronsky.  Jude Law plays the wronged husband with proper stuffiness.  Aaron Taylor-Johnson plays Vronsky with a swagger and a head of curly hair.  The story unfolds in an empty theater using the wings,  the fly space,  the audience—I understand to telegraph that high Russian society lived their lives as if on stage.   That devise makes this visually compelling and brings about unusual shots with miniatures that dissolve into the real thing.  Keira  Knightley continues her run of great performances.  She’s the kind of actress you can’t take your eyes off.  Does it deliver what it promises?  Literature made visual.  Is it entertaining?  Fascinating.  Is it worth the price of admission?  A contender.