The music was composed by his brother Magnus. Of course, he claims to be equally bored by the sophistication of St. Petersburg.
Every shot is carefully prepared and the lighting is exquisite.
Fiennes seems to be sleepwalking through his part. It's possible that his intention was to portray the moral poverty of the rich, and thought that acting like a piece of cardboard would further this end, but the interpretation makes audience involvement difficult. Lensky is somewhat better realized, or at least easier to like because he shows a little enthusiasm for life. Nineteenth century Russia is separated from us not just by years, but also by attitude. Putting this era on film requires characters of some depth, or at least interest.