The Kreutzer Sonata, A Movie Review

The Kreutzer Sonata is a tale of obsession which ends badly. I knew it would, I had read Tolstoy’s novella, a beautifully written story about a man who is driven insane by jealousy. This is a very modern version of the saga, set in Los Angeles, with all the glimmer and glitz of the Beverly Hills lifestyle. “Edgar, a wealthy philanthropist, and Abby, a concert pianist, have a tumultuous affair.They marry, and  predictably,  the bloom falls off the rose. Abby (Elizabeth Rohm of Law and Order fame) is perfect, she could have driven any male to distraction, and Edgar, played by Danny Huston is most convincing as a male on the brink.

 Abby becomes increasingly unhappy. Realizing too late that she gave up a promising career for motherhood, she misses her piano, her music and the companionship of fellow musicians. At the same time Edgar’s jealousy grows more and more out  of control.  Knowing that he is losing her, Edgar arranges a concert of Beethoven’s Kreutzer Sonata for her. Emma was to play the piano and a young, talented violinist would accompany her. Beautiful, almost hypnotic music seeps through every nook and cranny of their large home as they rehearse, and Edgar becomes convinced that the two musicians are practicing more than their sonata.

Although I knew how it would end, I was riveted. There is enough tension, both sexual and emotional to keep all but the faint  of heart watching ‘til the bitter end.T

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