Thursday, November 15, 2012

Russian Imperial Style: Anna K





The romantic saga of the ill fated Anna Karenina has played out on film, television and even operas --- this time around director Joe Wright envisioned a different twist and portrayed the epic on a "beautiful decaying theatre" in 1870's Russia via a soundstage at London's Shepperton Studios.

Wright teamed once again with production designer Sarah Greenwood and set decorator Katie Spencer (the trio worked on the period dramas Atonement and Pride & Prejudice) who created the social worlds of St. Petersburg and Moscow in the late 1800s to period perfection in an exhausting 12 week timeframe.

The love affair hits theaters Friday, November 16th. Read more in my piece for The Hollywood Reporter, "$50 Million, 100 Sets and One Stage: The Visual Splendor of Anna Karenina."


Greenwood was influenced by the popular 1935 Anna K version starring Greta Garbo

Anna K's Vivien Leigh in 1948

Keira Knightley in the 2012 version

Shepperton studio set with copy of heaven room mural at UK's Burghley House
Russian Imperial furnishings for the master bedroom on the theatre stage set

Ice skating rink was one of the many different types of staged sets that included horse races, opera houses, ballrooms and train stations 


God is in the Details:  Period Perfect Accessories

Leo Tolstoy's novel of society and adultery also influenced Banana Republic's fall collection for 2012 Inspired by the work of costume designer Jacqueline Durran, the collection's key fashion notes are faux fur, lace, brocade and velvet in rich burgandy, merlot and black. The Holiday 76 piece line is available for both men and women.

Banana Republic's Anna K Fall collection above and below




Photo Credits: Focus Features, Banana Republic

7 comments:

  1. Looking forward to seeing this version of AK. I know the sets and costumes will be amazing.

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    1. It has a very different feel to the standard costume drama. Let me know your thoughts!

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  2. Can't wait to see it. Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer seem to favour films which feature beautiful buildings. And Keira Knightley.

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  3. This will be an eye candy feast...can't wait to see it as well. Happy Holiday Week Cathy!

    Bette

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  4. I've been seeing this everywhere, definitely can't wait to watch this one. :D
    Got my eye on your next posts.

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  5. Sat through this film last night. The visual "wankery" was shocking, and it continually distracted the audience from the story and characters. As a still image, quite often beautiful; but as a MOTION picture attempting to tell a story, just plain masturbatory and awful. Enough of this.

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    1. I think the attempt to make a different type of period film resulted in the distracting motion. I have heard alot of mixed reactions on this and agree.

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