With beautiful shots brightening the bleak Russian landscape, “The Last Station” goes  beyond the trappings of most period pieces.

“The Last Station” follows the final days of Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy (Christopher Plummer). The film continues with young Valentin Bulgakov (James McAvoy) as he witnesses the battle for Tolstoy’s works between his wife, Countess Sofya Tolstoy (Helen Mirren) and her husband’s disciple Vladimir Chertkov (Paul Giamatti).

Mirren’s Golden Globe nomination for her role as Sofya is deserved as her performance jumps from moments of harrowing pity to melodrama. McAvoy and Plummer are able to hold their own, but the film starts and stops with Mirren’s performance.

Visually, “The Last Station” is tastefully done. Takes of green fields and forests add color and warmth to the film, while regularly occurring close-ups on the characters give the film a sense of sincerity and intimacy.  

“The Last Station” fails in its writing, though. The story is cluttered with emotions, motivations and ideas that don’t resolve themselves in any clear way.

“The Last Station” does succeed in revealing a story that’s rarely been told. It gives an intriguing introspection into the life of Tolstoy, even for those who aren’t familiar with his work.

“The Last Station” was written and directed by Michael Hoffman.