THE SEAGULL
An aging actress named Irina Arkadina pays summer visits to her brother Pjotr Nikolayevich Sorin and her son Konstantin on a country estate. On one occasion, she brings Boris Trigorin, a successful novelist and her lover. Nina, a free and innocent girl on a neighboring estate who is in a relationship with Konstantin, falls in love with Boris.
Director:
Michael Mayer
Cast:
Saoirse Ronan, Elisabeth Moss, Annette Bening
Screenplay:
Stephen Karam
Screening Date:
May 05, 2018
Studio:
Sony Pictures Classics
Running Time:
98 Minutes
| Excellent | Very Good | Good | Fair | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35.8% | 25.6% | 25.6% | 10.2% | 2.5% |
“Wonderfully made film of a classic Russian play. Beautifully cinematography.”
“It’s not gloomy – it’s profound.”
“As if we didn’t know it already after LADY BIRD Saoirse Ronan is simply one of the best actresses working today, and her talents are on full display here. Wish she had a larger role, and that’s saying a lot since she shares the screen with the powerhouse that is Annette Bening.”
“Can’t improve on Chehkov’s dialogue. A little darker than normally done in terms of lighting. Some flaws but a good film. Elizabeth Moss steals the film. Wonderful performances.”
“Films like this are rare, precious and beautiful. Even before the great interview with the filmmakers (Director Michael Mayer and Producer Tom Hulce) you could see the love and respect given to the classic play. Beautifully shot and consummately acted this may not be for everyone but I loved it.”
"I know it’s a Russian film but it is filled with ‘sturm und drang. Great fun with the teacher character.”
“It’s not for everyone. It’s for people who enjoy classic literature. Great for those who enjoy fine acting. Left me with feelings of angst because of the themes. All of those unrealized dreams, unrequited love, people stuck in life. Very atmospheric. Use of close ups was excellent. What a cast! For me Chekhov ‘s plays are downers. He was writing in a time of tremendous change. Made me think of Shakespeare’s MID SUMMER’S NIGHT’S DREAM where everything turns out alright and happy. I saw it with Kevin Kline but seeing this again allowed me to look at it and understood it better.”
“Annette Bening has played plenty of Moms in her amazing career but they can’t compare to this chilling depiction of a self absorbed actress ignoring the pleas of a desperate son seeking his other’s attention let alone love.”
“My first time seeing THE SEAGULL. The ageing actress trying to remain important and relevant. This play introduces the son who cannot find himself and complicates his mother’s life. Sad real unrequited love for all the characters. Is happiness not attainable in Russia?”
“Fantastic! Thank you so much John.”
“Best line – Annette Bening as the Mom/actress from Hell - I’m playing in MACBETH soon.’ Reply by her son ‘What - as one of the witches?’”
“Amazingly observant on the human condition, and yet with a plot most soap operas would find too manipulative. Everyone loves everyone else with tragedy inevitably around the corner.”
“Read the play in college, remembered 0. A group of incomplete people.”
“Woody Allen has the famous line which I think is from MANHATTAN when he finds out his son is being raised by his former wife and her female lover. Someone says to him “Having two mothers is fine” and he responds something like “I’m surprised because you know I always feel very few people survive one mother.”
“An excellent reproduction of Chekhov and his complex characters. That said, I thought that Saoirse Ronan was miscast.”
“Chekhov and THE SEAGULL were made for film.”
“Easy to see SEAGUL’s influence on Bergman’s SMILES OF A SUMMER NIGHT.”
“I loved the movie. I love Chekhov. But not everyone feels his plays. Thanks to the people who made this film.”
“Brilliant film by people who respect but expand (to good effect) Chekhov’s tale of crossed-lovers. Beautiful people (at least on the outside) beautiful scenery, harsh but observant script.”
(Spoiler alert) “Mr. Hulce and Mr. Mayer were wonderful guests who made a wonderful film. I’m surprised Chekhov thought the film a comedy. Don’t know many comedies that end with someone blowing their brains out.”
If you'd like to know more about the film...
Check out this interview from NPR with ANNETTE BENING where she talks about acting expanding her heart and opening her mind.
https://www.npr.org/2018/05/10/610014961/annette-bening-acting-is-a-fabu...
Take a look at this picture and story about THE SEAGULL film crew shooting on location at Arrow Park in Monroe, New York.
http://www.recordonline.com/article/20150727/NEWS/150729465
Watch this panel talk with the cast and crew of THE SEAGULL at Tribeca Film Festival 2018.
