Onegin
Synopsis
With it's compelling tale of romantic tragedy in nineteenth century Russia, Alexander Pushkin's epic novel 'Eugene Onegin', has moved and intrigued audiences for 150 years.
Captivated by its powerful narrative about love and loss, award winning actor Ralph Fiennes (The English Patient, Schindler's List) and his sister, director Martha Fiennes, have assembled a talented and exciting team to bring Pushkin's story to the screen.
Evgeny Onegin is a jaded and disaffected young man who leaves St Petersburg unexpectedly when he inherits an estate from a wealthy uncle. In the country, he is a city sophisticate out of place, with little affinity for the countryside or its people. Nevertheless he strikes up a warm friendship with a neighbour, Vladimir Lensky and, despite his natural cynicism, he is charmed by Lensky's love for his fiancée Olga. He is also intrigued by Olga's sister, Tatyana, a spirited beauty who surprises him with a passionate declaration of love. Onegin is disturbed by her directness but unable to respond and, coolly and politely, rejects her love.
As if needing to demonstrate the cruelty of his nature, Onegin later insults Olga and is challenged to a duel by Lensky who's code of honour prevails when Onegin attempts to extricate both of them from the confrontation. Onegin's shot is fatal and, grief-stricken, he cradles his best friend's body in his arms. Afterwards he leaves and goes into self-imposed exile.
Six years later, Onegin returns to St Petersburg where he again encounters Tatyana, now married to his cousin Prince Nikitin. In realisation of the bitter mistake he made years ago, Onegin determines to claim her and Tatyana is faced with the most difficult decision of her life.
Details
- Year
- 2000
- Type of film
- Features
- Running Time
- 106 mins
- Format
- 35mm
- Director
- Martha Fiennes 1st Feature
- Producer
- Ralph Fiennes
- Executive Producer
- Ralph Fiennes
- Editor
- Jim Clark
- Screenwriter
- Michael Ignatieff, Peter Ettedgui
- Director of Photography
- Remi Adefarasin
- Sound
- Ivan Sharrock
- Music
- Magnus Fiennes
- Principal Cast
- Ralph Fiennes, Liv Tyler, Tobey Stephens
Production status
Complete
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Last updated 26th November 2005
