Turning a Vladimir Nabokov novel into a movie is no easy task. His work, though celebrated worldwide, is notorious for being difficult.
Screenwriter Peter Berry and director Marleen Gorris (the Academy Award winning "Antonia's Line") don't mind a challenge and they have brought Nabokov's "The Luzhin Defence" to the big screen. Though flawed, it is a respectable adaptation highlighted by two strong lead performances.
John Turturro ("O Brother, Where Art Thou") stars as Alexander Luzhin, an eccentric genius and world class chess player. He has come to the beautiful Italian Lakes to participate in a chess tournament that will determine the next world champion.
Soon after his arrival Luzhin meets Natalia (two-time Oscar nominee Emily Watson), a Russian beauty vacationing with her mother. They are doing as little as possible and keeping a lookout for potential suitors for Natalia.
Though her mother has her hopes set on someone else, Natalia takes a liking to Luzhin. He falls in love with her too and even asks her to marry him. This does not sit well with her mother.
Luzhin, who doesn't play well under pressure, is finding it hard to relax. He's going to face the world's best chess player in the tournament and is working diligently on a plan to beat him. To maker matters worse a mysterious man from his past has also showed up.
With extended flashbacks to his childhood in St. Petersburg, we get to see Luzhin's dysfunctional family. His father developed a close relationship with his wife's sister, leading to his wife's suicide. Young Luzhin is the one who discovered her body.
After his mother's death, Luzhin's father sends him off with a chess coach/mentor named Valentinov (Stuart Wilson). Together they traveled the world, playing in chess tournaments around the globe. As good as he is, Luzhin has never been world champion, and a frustrated Valentinov ended up abandoning him.
"The Luzhin Defense" is anchored by the two outstanding performances of Turturro and Watson. They create a touching and believable romance with two characters that at first seem to be complete opposites.
Also worth mentioning is the gorgeous scenery in the film, which was shot on location in Italy. The resort and surrounding area is breathtaking. You'll want to call your travel agent before the movie is even over.
The main flaw in "The Luzhin Defence" is the conclusion. It ruins what had been a tragic yet powerful moment by adding a happy ending that feels forced and out of place.
Despite the weak ending, this is still a movie worth seeing. Who knew that chess could be so exciting?
Grade: B+
"The Luzhin Defence" opens Fri., May 18 at Landmark's Oriental Theater.
