Nastazja

Nastazja is Andrzej Wajda's adaptation of Dostoyevsky's The Idiot. Or to put it another way, it is a Polish director's filming of a Russian novel featuring two Japanese actors. It is the story of two friends, Myshkin and Rogozhin who are both in love with Nastazja, who seemingly cannot make up her mind between the two of them. The way Wajda adapted the source material is unusual to say the least. The movie can be divided into two parts. The first scene is filmed in what looks like a Russian church, where Nastazja is about to marry one of the two friends. Instead, she runs off with the other. The rest of the movie takes place entirely in Rogozhin's house, where the two friends talk about their history together and their infatuation with Nastazja. The movie requires close attention because the timeline jumps back and forth (and even between locations, even though the set never changes) with almost imperceptible cues marking the change of scenes. Another interesting choice is the casting of Nastazja. Tamasaburo Bando, the actor who plays Myshkin also plays her, a decision that seems to suggest a homoerotic attraction between the two friends. (In real life, Bando was an onnagata--a Kabuki actor who specializes in female roles.)

All in all, it is an interesting, if a little airless movie. The way it was filmed makes it seems like an adaptation of a play rather than a novel. It goes on a little too long but it is worth watching just for the performances of the two actors if nothing else.

an episode from The Idiot by Dostoievski. as start point for an admirable adaptation of novel. because it is not only a simple adaptation. not surprising because each film of Andrzej Wajda is not simple. his purpose is always more than accuracy of adaptation. but the message. powerful, convincing, source of self examination for the public. Nastasja is far to be an exception. at first sigh, it could be an eccentric experiment. a great Polish director using two Japanese actors for an adaptation of a classic Russian novel. in fact it is one of the most inspired choices. first for Prince Mishkin of Tamasaburo Bando. the vulnerability of character is splendid and precise reflected by this great onnagata. his words, his gestures, his voice. as tools for a realistic portrait of a not comfortable role. then, the portrait of Nastasia Filipovna by the same Tamasaburo Bando who reminds her status of reflection of his need of certitude and love and force and beauty. then, the fascinating Rugozhin by Toshiyuki Nagashima. his mixture of Japanese and Rusian traits of passion, fury, delicacy and egocentricity, selfish and generosity, his rude expression of emotions and the need of certitude.Wajda gives more than a beautiful adaptation. but an useful trip in the essence of characters. a new read of the novel. in new light, with high care for details. almost rediscover of its soul. because the Idiot becomes a contemporary story. a personal one. and the long dialogue between Myshkin and Rogozhin - map for define the other as yourself reflection. the film has another great virtue - to remember. Rusian and Japaneses films in their small details. different other performances. the air of Dostoyevski's universe. the roots of words.the aura of a literary masterpiece. not a film for a large public, it is a seductive instrument for the readers. and, sure, for the fans/public of the unique Andrzej Wajda.