Vida no Campo

I saw this movie for the first time a year ago, and couldn't wait for its video release. It's a wonderful farce, a bit like "The Man Who Came to Dinner." I thoroughly enjoyed John Hargreave's "Uncle Jack" and Kerry Fox's "Sally". If this were a television program it would have me hooked! All of the characters at the Canterbury estate were given good development (even the minor ones), and I was sorry to have to leave them when the movie ended. My only complaint is that Michael Blakemore's "Alexander" and Greta Scacchi's "Deborah" did not seem to learn anything from their experiences with their relatives. They returned to their selfish, bombastic selves at the end, which made the point of the story a bit fuzzy for me. Overall, however, I would recommend this as a very good picture.

Sally and her uncle work a sheep ranch in rural Australia, circ 1920 something. Along comes stiff and stilted Dad (Blakemore) and stepmum Debbie (Scacchi). Toss in a roaming physician, some hired help, etc. and you've got "All in the Family in the Outback". Personalities clash, eccentricities entangle, and hanky-panky ensues. "Country Life" is an endearing Aussie cum English wry and lighthearted romp which should appeal most to those who enjoy British comedy.

Michael Blakemore's "Country Life" is loosely based on Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya". Mr. Blakemore, a distinguished theater director, and actor, takes us to his native Australia, where he sets the story circa 1919.

It's a time where Aussie soldiers are returning home from WWI. We watch as Alexander Voysey, who has been living abroad, returning with his new wife, Deborah, to the estate in the country where his daughter and brother-in-law are living. Voysey is a snob who seems out of place in the house that has seen better days. His young wife Deborah, is with him because obviously she needs a meal ticket.

Uncle Jack, has stayed behind doing all the thankless jobs, helped by his niece Sally, who is Alexander's daughter. We also see the free thinking doctor Max Askey, whose ideas clash with the conservative town folks. It seems inevitable, but Deborah and the doctor develop a passion for one another that comes to nothing, while young Sally who secretly loves the older doctor, doesn't stand a chance with him.

Ultimately, the Voyseys have had it with the place and when Alexander's plans to sell the estate to neighbors fail because Jack's protests and animosity toward his brother-in-law, who by now, we realize is a fake, decide to go west in search of greener pastures.

"Country Life" is a film where we draw parallels between its Russian model and the Aussie setting. All the elements of Chekhov are there beautifully staged and directed by Michael Blakemore. The distinguished cast acts well as an ensemble under Mr. Blakemore's direction. Googie Withers makes a good contribution as the crusty cook Hannah, who knows all the secrets of the family.

This is a different "Uncle Vanya", but worth a visit because of the excellent work of Mr. Blakemore.

i think that chekhov has been treated badly in many theatrical productions of this play, but this film and the welsh 'uncle vanya,' AUGUST, [with anthony hopkins] are beautiful and heartfelt versions of the story...those who think this is a "disappointing" film are not getting the point...the story is, in fact, about people who are very disappointed in life and love...get it???...chekhov takes a certain patience and maturity to understand...i'm happy that both these films and VANYA ON 42ND STREET were made...chekhov's characters are deep and tragic, but also shallow and comic...just like the rest of us, eh???...give it a looksee...and a chance...

The director, Michael Blakemore, takes an artistic gamble by loosely adapting Anton Chekhov's play, Uncle Vanya, to Australia. It works on his terms, with Blakemore doing a fine job as the returning native son. Greta Scacchi, whose effect on the locals as his new and young wife is presented in an effective fashion, also performs well. The direction is somewhat uneven and, as a result, the cast does not achieve an ensemble effect so important for the filmization/adaptation. Sam Neill, as is customary, plays Sam Neill. However, Kerry Fox, a brilliant actress, shines. The production design and costumes are nicely and accurately created. In sum, Blakemore does not attempt to go beyond the perimeter of the original masterwork by Chekhov who, after all, is the originator of the "slice of life" genre.