This production wasn't OSHA approved.I had heard of Uncle Vanya from the 2021 film Drive My Car, which I loved. I had forgotten about the play until a duo in my acting class was assigned to perform the scene where Sonya and Yelena reconcile. It was a touching moment, filled with subtle comedy that worked. Watching that same scene in this movie, the framing device of the actors going to a run-down theater and performing a run-through feels even more powerful. It perfectly shows the versatility of Anton Chekhov's work and how his themes are timeless and can be told anywhere. While I think some of the "real life" sequences can be out of place in editing, some of the sound might be too quiet, some brief discussions between scenes could be distracting, and there is a moment told from Yelena's mind that goes against the pricipals of theatre, I still felt that the framing device was very satisfying and blends beautifully with the performance. These actors give it their all, working off each other splendidly. I forgot about the framing device because the performance was so beautiful. The set and costumes are simple, which makes the play feel more immediate. Most of the editing was excellent, capturing moving moments, and Louis Malle's direction respectfully reflected Andre Gregory's vision of the play. I would recommend watching this if you haven't read the play or if you're curious to see a fun and thoughtful experiment.

This production wasn't OSHA approved.I had heard of Uncle Vanya from the 2021 film Drive My Car, which I loved. I had forgotten about the play until a duo in my acting class was assigned to perform the scene where Sonya and Yelena reconcile. It was a touching moment, filled with subtle comedy that worked. Watching that same scene in this movie, the framing device of the actors going to a run-down theater and performing a run-through feels even more powerful. It perfectly shows the versatility of Anton Chekhov's work and how his themes are timeless and can be told anywhere. While I think some of the "real life" sequences can be out of place in editing, some of the sound might be too quiet, some brief discussions between scenes could be distracting, and there is a moment told from Yelena's mind that goes against the pricipals of theatre, I still felt that the framing device was very satisfying and blends beautifully with the performance. These actors give it their all, working off each other splendidly. I forgot about the framing device because the performance was so beautiful. The set and costumes are simple, which makes the play feel more immediate. Most of the editing was excellent, capturing moving moments, and Louis Malle's direction respectfully reflected Andre Gregory's vision of the play. I would recommend watching this if you haven't read the play or if you're curious to see a fun and thoughtful experiment.