August

An accomplished major film directorial debut for Anthony Hopkins, a beautiful piece of work, accompanied by a wonderful score, also composed by Hopkins. But one must wonder, as with the adaptation of any great work of art, why it was necessary. "Uncle Vanya" has been masterfully translated, it seems superfluous at best to rewrite it. As with Shakespeare, the transposition into a new landscape need not be accomplished through a completely new script. This being said, however, it is always pleasing to see a project so close to a person's heart as this obviously was to Hopkins' come to such beautiful fruition.

Having seen A Country Life, another film based on Chekhov's Uncle Vanya, I have to say I preferred August. While both of them have taken the story to another setting and another time, I was swayed by the compelling performance of Anthony Hopkins (and perhaps his direction, too). Kate Burton was beautiful and enigmatic, and I couldn't help but see glimpses of her famous father slipping through, after just viewing Becket the night before. August had all the elements of Chekhovian drama: unfulfilled dreams, boredom, longing for an elusive future. The entire cast was magnificent, and Hopkins was amazing as usual. He brought so much to the role -the finest actor today!

Gracious! What a depressing film this was. I love Hopkins. I always have, but why this dark, depressing film that was ridiculously over-acted? I have loved every film Anthony has ever made, but this one, even though I understand a person's struggle with life, friendship, love, and the disappointments of not having true love or a fulfilling life, why should we be subjected to such absurd screaming and desperate actions? The musical score was the only thing I value about this film other than when Anthony's character is CALM. Anthony and I have the same birthday, and so I've always identified with him. He is an accomplished actor and now, as I've learned, a wonderful composer as well, but I just would rather die than to watch this movie again. Sorry, Anthony, I will still love you the rest of my life, but why...oh why did you agree to do this horrible film? Have a great birthday when I do...December 31!!!

Casting! Acting! Timing! Perfection in concert in every aspect of every detail. Masterful Direction. Bravo!

What a shame to see the excellent actor, Anthony Hopkins, make such an inept effort at directing. This movie is about a group of miserable Welsh gentry who have nothing better to do than make each other as unhappy as they know how. This is a sort of childish attempt to imitate "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe" with a larger cast. There is no character that seems like a real person (other than in an institution) and will bore most anyone to sleep. I watched to the end just to see if Hopkins would improve with experience. He didn't.