The drawback, however, is that the actors chew the scenery in true stagecraft fashion, which, on film, induces regular wincing and a wish that they would hand out the valium and take it easy.
Comment
08/12/08
Vanya on 42nd Street (1994)
87
%
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work 
Reviews Counted:31
Fresh:27
Rotten:4
Average Rating:7.6/10
Consensus: Beautiful performances and the subtle hand of master Louis Malle make this adaptation of Chekov's Uncle Vanya an eccentric presentation of an enduring classic.
Synopsis: David Mamet wrote the screenplay for this staging of Andre Gregory's play, "Vanya," itself based on Chekhov's masterpiece, "Uncle Vanya." A group of actors enter a theatre on New York's 42nd Street... [More]
Starring: Wallace Shawn, Julianne Moore, George Gaynes, Brooke Smith
Director: Louis Malle
Reviews for Vanya on 42nd Street
Top CriticNot entirely successful, but undeniably brave.
08/12/08
Top Critichere are moments of considerable power here but this stripped-down rendering gives us something closer to a latterday dysfunctional family than Chekhov's doomed bourgeoisie.
08/12/08
Top CriticThe performances are precise, the language is alive and well spoken and the setting is striking, but Vanya on 42nd Street still suffers rather heavily from the limitations of filmed theater.
08/12/08
Top CriticMalle adeptly eases us into the play so we can't tell at what precise moment Chekhov takes over, an ambiguity that becomes the film's triumph as well as its key limitation.
08/12/08
It offers a unique viewing at a work in progress.
11/06/07
There's more power here than in all the multi-million dollar fireworks of Hollywood.
01/26/06
Top CriticNo review available.
06/13/05
No review available.
04/16/04
No review available.
02/08/04
Despite great acting, the general impression of the film is underwhelming.
12/22/03
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05/20/03
The elegant understatement of this production turns it into a livelier experiment, a fluent, gripping version of one of Chekhov's more elusive plays.
05/20/03
Top CriticNo review available.
12/18/02
It's more than a worthy capper to Malle's brilliant career.
10/04/02
No review available.
07/31/02
A lively and intriguing adaptation of Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya."
07/30/02
Much too talky.
07/29/02
This live-wire Vanya, freshly observed for the '90s, is fiercely funny, touching and vital.
05/12/01
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