Movielogr
Country Life (1994)
Directed by Michael Blakemore
Overview
Adaptation of Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya” set in rural Australia in the 1920s. Jack Dickens and his niece Sally run the family farm to support brother-in-law Alexander as a (supposedly brilliant) literary critic in London. Action begins when Alexander returns with his beautiful young wife Deborah, revealing himself as an arrogant failure and wanting to sell the farm out from under Jack. Blakemore introduces themes about Australia’s separation from England, as well as expanding the pacifist and ecological philosophies espoused by the local Doctor Max Askey.
Length 118 minutes
Actors
Greta Scacchi | Kerry Fox | Sam Neill | John Hargreaves | Michael Blakemore | Googie Withers | Maurie Fields | Bryan Marshall