A Gentleman in MoscoThis is Paramoun’s launch that brings the brilliant Evan McGregor back to the big screen! This drama bypasses Wes Anderson to offer a tender and nuanced view of Love Towles.
Millions of people have read Amor Towles’s globally successful 2016 novel, “A Gentleman in Moscow“, and thus a fervent debate arose over who should play its impressively mustachioed protagonist, Count Rostov.
Some preferred Richard E. Grant for the role. Benedict Cumberbatch and even Kenneth Branagh These were names that were considered, but rest easy, fans: Paramount+’s final choice, Ewan McGregor, is exceptional.
This engaging and captivating eight-episode story follows the life of Count Alexander Ilych Rostov (McGregor). Then it shows that he ends up under house arrest in the opulent Metropol hotel, in Moscowduring the Russian Revolution.
Despite the restrictions of his confinement circumstances (the parallels with our own confinement are obvious), the former Count is a beta type. Thus, he builds a great life in his small closed world.
He establishes family relationships with hotel staff and guests as the Metropol transforms into a mini-city opposite the Kremlin. Thus, he ends up sheltering lost friends, political opponents, lovers and, although forbidden to leave (if he does, he will be killed on sight), he gives the audience a lesson about the power of silent rebellion.
Yes, the narrative and acting of McGregor They could have had more bite at times, the first few episodes sometimes get lost. Furthermore, a bit of nastiness would have been welcome to inject much-needed pacing into the proceedings, but McGregor’s Rostov left me deeply invested in his survival.
“A Gentleman in Moscow” with a little Wes Anderson
It’s become virtually impossible to stage a period drama without it appearing to come from Wes Anderson’s creative department, but A Gentleman in Moscow narrowly escapes that. Of course, there are echoes of “Grand Budapest Hotel“, but the set and costume design have a depth and elegance that feels authentic.
The Metropol is a Narnian labyrinth of rooms, representing the lies and subterfuge that circulate throughout the hotel among guests, politicians, employees and apparatchiks. There is so much deception that eventually the truth ceases to exist and the Metropol becomes a fantasy land.
These revolving doors turn like a wheel of fortune for Rostov. In such a way that it ends up bringing new guests and life-altering moments – some brutal, some carrying opportunity and some with love.
Additionally, McGregor stars alongside his real-life wife, Mary Elizabeth Winsteadas Rostov’s love interest, Anna Urbanova, a star with whom your destiny intertwines. I can’t say the chemistry is remarkable, but it’s an exceptional interpretation of a somewhat awkward, unlikely and unique love story.
There is also depth and subtlety as we witness Rostov go from a young man to an aging father figure. Will he simply sink deeper into a state of acceptance and spend the rest of his days in the Metropol’s attic, or will he eventually stage a bravado escape? If we look for a clue, it can be found in one of the script’s best lines: “If someone doesn’t master their circumstances,” says Rostov, “they dominate them.”
Available on Paramount+ from March 29th.
Source: Atrevida
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
