Watch Meeting with Chekhov

Meeting with Chekhov is a 2008 film that explores the life and work of acclaimed Russian playwright Anton Chekhov. The film is directed by British filmmaker Kira Muratova and stars Libby Appel, Janis DeLucia Allen, Christine Albright, and Judith-Marie Bergan. The film takes place in a rehearsal space where a group of actors have gathered to rehearse a production of one of Chekhov's plays. The rehearsal is interrupted by the arrival of a mysterious woman who claims to be Chekhov's sister, Maria Chekhova. Maria is played by Judith-Marie Bergan and her performance is one of the most captivating aspects of this film. She is enigmatic, engaging and exudes confidence and gravitas.

Maria proceeds to become a sort of mystical guide for the actors, leading them through a series of exercises and discussions aimed at unlocking the essence of Chekhov's work. The film is structured around a series of vignettes and conversations that explore the themes and motifs of Chekhov's writing. The actors are encouraged to delve into their personal lives and express themselves with honesty and integrity.

The film is largely a dialogue-driven piece, with the actors discussing Chekhov's work and their own personal experiences. Kira Muratova's directorial style is understated and subtle, allowing the actors and their performances to shine through without any unnecessary flourishes or distractions. The conversations flow naturally and are punctuated with moments of poetry and insight.

The performances in Meeting with Chekhov are uniformly strong, with each actor bringing their own unique perspective to Chekhov's work. Libby Appel is particularly effective as the director of the rehearsal, bringing a no-nonsense yet compassionate approach to her role. Janis DeLucia Allen, Christine Albright, and Judith-Marie Bergan are all excellent, bringing depth and nuance to their respective characters.

The film is shot in a naturalistic style, with the rehearsal space and its surroundings providing the backdrop for the action. The camera work is unobtrusive and the lighting is muted, creating a sense of intimacy and focus on the actors and their performances.

Despite its focus on Chekhov's work, Meeting with Chekhov is ultimately a film about the human experience. It is about the joys and sorrows of life, the beauty of art, and the power of connection. The film is a celebration of Chekhov's legacy, but it is also a meditation on the universal themes that his work explores.

Overall, Meeting with Chekhov is a thoughtful and engaging film that will appeal to fans of Chekhov's work as well as anyone interested in the creative process. The film's focus on the human experience and its celebration of the power of art make it a timeless and universal work.

Meeting with Chekhov is a 2005 documentary with a runtime of 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 9.0.