Russian Literary Classics on Screen: Anna Karenina

Our ‘Russian classics on screen’ series is for advanced level students (B2 and above); lessons are conducted in Russian. Each course comprises two sessions, lasting two hours each. There is a two-week gap between sessions to allow you to watch the film at your own pace.

This time, our attention is on Alexander Zakhri’s 1967 adaption of Anna Karenina, starring the legendary Soviet film actress Tatiana Samoilova.

In the first session, we will concentrate on key excerpts from the novel that highlight the themes of love, betrayal, societal expectations, and the consequences of our actions. We will discuss Tolstoy’s writing style, character development, and the underlying messages he conveys through the story of Anna Karenina.

During the second session we will compare and contrast the characters in the film with their literary counterparts, analysing the director’s interpretation of the novel.

We will also read and analyse some of the famous internal monologues from the novel –Anna’s reflections on love and society, Levin’s musings on the meaning of life, and Kitty’s journey to self-discovery – and how they are conveyed in the film.

In both sessions we will engage in lively discussion, analysing and translating the text to enhance our understanding of both novel and film. By the end of the course, we hope participants will have gained a deeper appreciation for Anna Karenina and its enduring relevance in today’s world.