The Luzhin Defence

Plot synopsis:
It's the early 1920s and Aleksandr Ivanovich 'Sascha' Luzhin (Turturro), a gifted but tormented chess player, arrives in a Northern Italian city to compete in an international chess competition. Prior to the tournament he meets Natalia Katkov (Watson) and he falls in love with her almost immediately. She in turn finds his manner to be appealing and they begin to see each other in spite of her mother's disapproval.
Competing alongside Luzhin in the championship is Dottore Salvatore Turati (Fabio Sartor), who is approached by Leo Valentinov (Stuart Wilson), a Russian, who is Luzhin's former chess tutor from pre-revolutionary Russia. Valentinov tells the Italian that Luzhin cannot handle pressure and he intimates he will make sure that his former prodigy will be unsettled off-table giving Turati a winning chance.
The competition starts badly for Luzhin who is unsettled by the presence of his former friend and coach. He struggles through the early rounds but he soon begins to win again as his relationship with Katkov becomes closer and intimate. She then informs her parents that she is going to marry him. Meanwhile, Luzhin goes on to reach the final and face Turati.
But in the finals the Russian Émigré loses out to the time clock, forcing the game to adjourn. However, outside the venue, he is whisked away by an accomplice of Valentinov who abandons him in the countryside. His former teacher knows that this will completely unhinge him because of the memory of his parents' abandonment many years ago. Luzhin wanders aimlessly until he collapses and is found by a group of Blackshirts.
Luzhin is taken to the hospital suffering from complete mental exhaustion. The doctor informs Katkov that he will die if he keeps playing chess as he is addicted to the game and it's consuming his very being. Nevertheless, even while recuperating Valentinov comes around with a chess board encouraging Luzhin to finish the match with the Italian, Turati. Natalia defends her beloved but urges him to break off with the game. Luzhin seems to agree.
Eventually Luzhin leaves the hospital. He and Natalia then agree to marry at the earliest opportunity. However, on the morning of the wedding, Luzhin is put into a car with Valentinov, who tells him that there is the small matter of finishing the competition. In terror, Luzhin leaps from the car. Dazed, cut and mentally confused, he stumbles back to the hotel where he tries to dig up the rest of the glass chess pieces he buried on the grounds years ago, (1:36:39 "I've got the King but I need the whole army...") but he does not find them.
Luzhin, who is in his muddied wedding suit, sits in his room as Natalia and the hotel staff try to open the door. But before they can get in, the troubled chess grandmaster throws himself out of his bedroom window and dies. The tragic death is witnessed by Valentinov who has just arrived by car.
The film then concludes in the competition hall where Natalia completes the competition using her fiancé's notes. She discovers the papers in his pocket and an experienced chess player explains to her the matter of the notes. In an arranged meeting without public she plays against Turati who does exactly what Luzhin expected and loses. Katkov and Turati then leave acknowledging the Pyrrhic victory and the genius of Luzhin.

Tags: flashback

Review:
At an Italian resort in the 1920's, Alexander Luzhin (John Turturro) is one of many who have gathered there for a chess tournament, the winner of which will be the World Champion.
Luzhin is a Master of the game, but he is vulnerable in that chess has long since ceased to be a game to him; rather, it is his obsession, that one thing discovered in childhood that saw him though his total ineptness in seemingly all areas of life, and enabled him to cope with the subtle disenfranchisements of his immediate family.
Not only is he about to face a formidable opponent in the tournament, Turati (Fabio Sartor), against whom in a previous match he emerged with a draw after fourteen hours, but he is also attempting to resolve a new element in his life-- his feelings for a young woman he's just met at the resort, Natalia (Emily Watson).
To tell Luzhin's story, Gorris effectively uses flashbacks to gradually reveal the elements of his childhood that very quickly led to his obsession with chess.
She also underplays the menace produced by the presence of Valentinov, concentrating on the drama rather than the suspense, which ultimately serves to heighten the overall impact of the film, making Luzhin's tragedy all the more believable and unsettling.
For this film to work, Luzhin must be absolutely believable; one false or feigned moment would be disastrous, as it would take the viewer out of the story immediately.
It doesn't happen, however, and the film does work, because the Luzhin Turturro creates is impeccably honest and true-to-life.
It's a performance equal to, if not surpassing, Geoffrey Rush's portrayal of David Helfgott in `Shine.'  And when you compare his work here with other characters he's created, from Sid Lidz in `Unstrung Heroes' to Pete in `O Brother Where Art Thou?' to Al Fountain in `Box of Moonlight,' you realize what an incredible range Turturro has as an actor, and what a remarkable artist he truly is.
As Natalia, Emily Watson is excellent, as well, turning in a fairly reserved performance through which she develops and presents her character quite nicely.
John Turturro, Emily Watson, Geraldine James, Stuart Wilson; directed by Marleen Gorris, loosely based on the novel by Vladimir Nabokov The Luzhin Defence is set in nineteen-twenties Italy's lake district where the world championships of Chess are being staged.
All of this transpires while his old chess teacher (Wilson) tutors his chief rival, wanting nothing more than to see Luzhin humiliated.Being a chess movie, it could immediately be set aside as dull and unwatchable, being as Chess is not exactly a spectator sport.However, this movie is much less about chess and much more about the people surrounding the game; making it a piece about the interactions of personalities and not pieces.
The movie does find a parallel however, as it is shown like a chess match between two sides, the present and the past (shown through flashbacks), with one side prevailing at the end.
This storytelling choice works surprisingly well, as we gain much insight as to why Luzhin is the way he is, and how he views the world.The movie begins with a telling piece of cinematography, as the audience is given the perspective of a train conductor emerging from a tunnel.
Other notable scenes include the meeting of Natlalia and Alexander at a tennis court, and later when he is thinking to himself in their bedroom, "There is a pattern emerging!" cries the eccentric chess genius Alexander Luzhin.
"I must keep track--every second!" To which Natalia, whom he loves can only reply, "It sounds like such a lonely battle.' This all encompassing effect of chess on him can also be seen earlier in the film, as he is being driven by one of his old chess teachers chauffeurs into the middle of the countryside, is dropped off there, and does not notice.
The end adds character to the film without being overly dramatic, but is a departure from the finish of the novel, however it is believable and adds to the sense that Luzhin does not really control himself, or know how.Overall an enjoying piece of film, more about camera angles and people then chess.
Part of the enjoyment that I took from this film stemmed from the fact that I knew nothing more about it than that it starred John Turturro and Emily Watson (2 reasons enough to watch), was a period piece and involved chess.
Suffice to say that Turturro is magnificent as an eccentric, obsessive and deeply vulnerable chess genius and Em matches him step for step as the strong-minded woman who is drawn to him.
A quiet (not your ordinary) love story with beautiful film score by Alexandre Desplat.
Cinematography captures the serene beauty of Lake Como in northern Italy near the Swiss border.I highly recommend the soundtrack if you don't feel like going to the movies.
Alexandr "Sascha" Luzhin (John Turturro) is a former leading chess player attempting a comeback at an Italy-hosted tournament.
Natalia (Emily Watson) is a beautiful heiress who has come to the same resort with her mother, Vera (Geraldine James) to scope out possible marriage partners.
The acting is amazing, with Watson very fine as the beautiful little rich girl and Turturro utter perfection as the shy, awkward chess enthusiast.
John Turturro is absolutely stunning in his portrayal of a tender, eccentric chess Grandmaster, and Emily Watson is spell-binding as the gentle but rebellious daughter of a highly respected Russian family.
All in all, this movie is one of the best in-depth looks at the life of a chess Grandmaster, and Turturro and Watson add a whole non-mainstream, non-cliche feel to the film.
Most people will come out of the theater thinking, and feeling somewhat touched by this brilliant look at the most unlikely of love stories..
'The Luzhin Defence' is a good film with fine central performances, but too much of the novel and not enough of the filmmaker's craft shines through.
Emily Watson's Natalia is absolutely the most loving and romantic lead character I have ever seen on a screen.
Just as the chess masters in the film do, the director is playing many simultaneous games with our mind at once, but all weave into either major or minor patterns.
A movie of outstanding brilliance and a poignant and unusual love story, the Luzhin Defence charts the intense attraction between an eccentric genius and a woman of beauty, depth and character.
It gives John Turturro what is probably his finest role to date (thank goodness they didn't give it to Ralph Fiennes, who would have murdered it.) Similarly, Emily Watson shows the wealth of her experience (from her outstanding background on the stage).
To reach the tortured chess master (Turturro) her character has to display intelligence as well as a woman's love.
In a chance meeting between Natalia (Watson) and Luzhin, she casually stops him from losing a chess piece that has fallen through a hole in his clothing - a specially crafted piece that, we realize later in the film, has come to symbolize his hopes and aspirations.
Later, as their love affair develops, she subtly likens dancing to chess (Luzhin has learnt to dance but never with a partner); she encourages him to lead her with "bold, brilliant moves" and in doing so enables him to relax sufficiently to later play at his best (and also realize himself as her lover).
The movie is beautifully photographed, costumed, acted and directed--so why was this such a let down to see?Granted, Nabakov's book is very cerebral and driven by the inner turmoil of Luzhin's mind.
As a result, we never appreciate fully either the nature of Luzhin's inner torment, or the motivations of the villainous Valentinov (who is just so cruel that his motivations demand some fleshing out).The sentimental ending (which predictably is not based on anything in Nabakov's novel) fits in awkwardly with the rest of the film, though it does at least fit.
It reminds me of "A Beautiful Mind" in the sense that it is more about the personal life of a genius than his doings, and it sometimes feels mundane for that reason.As Turati and Luzhin were portrayed, it recalls greatly Capablanca and Alekhine, respectively, and their encounters.
Once again proving his amazing versatility, John Turturro plays the introspective Russian chess genius preparing for a comeback tournament, and forging an unlikely relationship with a gadabout fellow resident (Emily Watson) at a 1920's Italian hotel.
They fall in love,to the horror of her social-mountaineering mother (Geraldine James).A wonderful love story, whose gloss of chess might make it appear cerebral.But in spite of its origins in a Nabakov story, it certainly is not .The romantic elements and the sense of time and place beat the psychological analysis hands down.John Turturro, having appeared in "Barton Fink" ,"O Brother,Where Art thou?" "The Big Lebowski" proves that he is not dependant on Coen Bros films to assert his stature..
Not having read Nabokov, and knowing nothing about chess, I could only view "The Luzhin Defence" as a movie.
I particularly liked the special effects on the chess board as alternative plays are anticipated.Through the feminist director Maureen Gorris (of "Antonia"), Emily Watson with her big blue eyes gradually strengthens via her transformative relationship with John Turturro's fairly one-note absent-minded intense chess genius.The settings in Italy and Hungary are beautiful.(originally written 5/27/2001).
Emily Watson's attraction to him is at first puzzling, but after watching Luzhin waltz with himself at odd moments, graceful as a heron and heedless as a four-year-old, you begin to understand..
Albeit excellent in cinematography and actors' work, the movie stunned me by its almost complete unrelatedness to the famous (and one of the best) novel by Vladimir Nabokov.
All the plot lines are put topsy-turvy, the spectacular intricacy of the plot is revealed in a straight line and all the intellectual play of Nabokov with the reader (false clues, not telling the reader the main character's first and middle name until the very last page of the novel, etc) are all gone from the film.
Based on Vladimir Nabokov's novel (loosely) tells the story of a master chess player Luzhin.
But if that's the case, why not change it completely, at least give the main characters different names in order to not mislead the viewers into thinking they're watching something similar to the book it's supposedly based on?The highlight of 'The Luzhin Defence' are the lead pair's performances.
A good movie based in a novel by Vladimir Nabokov (written in 1930) about Alexander Luzhin, a Russian chess genius and borderline psychotic who suffers a mental breakdown during the world championship in Italy (not having read the book, I cannot say whether the movie is faithful to it).
During the tournament Luzhin knows and falls in love with the beautiful Natalia, a fellow émigré Russian, who despite the fierce opposition of her family returns his attention, eventually agreeing to marry him.
Of course, the movie suggests that one of the reasons Natalia agrees to marry Luzhin is not so much because she feels sexually attracted to him (there is a scene where they kiss that is terribly awkward) but to upset her domineering insufferable mother.
The movie is also bolstered by the fine performance of pretty Emily Watson (she of blue moist seducing eyes, very believable as a Slavic beauty) as Natalia.
Although a genius, he was also very disturbed in many ways.In the film, a World championship match is depicted, as between an Italian Grandmaster and Luzhin.
The added effect of the tournament is very good too and creates a nice tension setting.I have no idea of the strength of the chess players as I don't play the game myself but it looks nice and believable.
The photography of the film is excellent as is the acting of both Turturro and Watson.
The story is about a phenomenal chess player (Turturro) which is also extremely eccentric in his everyday life.
Basing his screenplay on Nabokov's novel, this is powerful, compelling drama.Visually the movie is a treat, with the Hungarian (standing in for Russia) and Italian locations looking wonderful.
The art direction and attention to detail of the period is sumptuous.While the inaccurate vanity credit "A Marleen Gorris film" is not exactly going to lead to a stampede towards the theatres this film does maintain Gorris' reputation as one of the leading directors in Europe, if not the world.John Turturro has a difficult job in playing the tortured genius and some might argue that Emily Watson's job is as difficult playing the calm to his storm, in any case both are magnificent.This is recommended without reservation..
A chess master arrives and shortly after falls madly in love (at first sight) with a woman, played by Emily Watson.
John Turturro is excellent as the tortured genius Luzhin and brilliantly portrays the character's manic affectations such as his strange dancing.
Emily Watson is fine in her support role as the sensitive lover Natalia.The relatonship between chess and near madness is well explored by Gorris and familiar Nabokov preoccupations such as 'eternal innocence' (i.e.
Italy is a "sunny" country, yet even the outdoor scenes are dark and gloomy (2)Emily Watson's character appears to fall in love with the highly eccentric Luzhin after only a brief chance encounter.
Though the film unfortunately sways from its Russian roots, its low back cut dresses are lovely, Alexander plays his role sublimely.The director underestimated her audience, we hardly ever get to play and the only hint of The Luzhin Defense is after trading queens, isolate the opponents King with your 3 paws & King, sacrificing the castle for mate.
A brilliant, visually stunning film about the madness of big time chess..
This sensitive, visually beautiful film is based on a story by Vladimir Nabokov and captures well that writer's dark irony.
John Turturro gives what I consider to be his finest performance (I am usually not a fan of his); and Emily Watson is brilliant as well.
An astounding performance by Emily Watson sets the screen ablaze in this interesting adaptation of the Nabokov novel.
John Turturro is very good in his scenes with Watson but it appears his work in this film is energized by the fabulous talent of his co-star.
"The Luzhin Defence" is, in the foreground, a story of an idiosyncratic chess savant (Turturro) who becomes consumed by the game and, in the background via flashbacks, his boyhood life and the forces which created the man he has become.
Factor in good and evil in the forms of his his love interest (Watson) and former "mentor" (Wilson) respectively and you have a plaintive drama laced with poignant and delicately humorous moments mingled with the rich scenic beauty of Italy's Lake Como and the intensity of high chess play.
A film that darkens the screen with its lifelessness and confused story line is aflame whenever Emily Watson is in a scene and even the plot makes some sense.
List this as one more cinema triumph for Emily Watson and rest assured that her performance is worth the effort you will make to sit through this awful movie and seeing her work her usual magic is very, very rewarding..
Ostensibly an 'art-house' pic, with circuit favorites John Turturro and Emily Watson, the film offers stock characters with not a hint of originality with a re-hashed 'Shine' storyline which never gets beneath the surface of predictable plot twists and tired faux drama.
A combination of a great story and excellent performances makes this movie a memorable piece of art.
Luzhin Defence is a movie about a chess prodigy (John Tuturro) in the 1920's who could be magnificent if it weren't for his madness (David Helfgot madness, if you get my drift).
This movie is absolutely beautiful to watch, with its magnificent old-world settings through which Luzhin, the obsessed chess grandmaster, moves in oblivious cerebration.
Emily Watson is excellent as the beautiful young woman who tries to stay Luzhin's descent into insanity, and John Turturro does his best with Luzhin himself.But I don't think Vladimir Nabokov would've liked this movie much.
Turturro is great as chess savant Alexander Luzhin.
The film is set in Northern Italy, Lake Como area, for a world championship chess tournament.
In real life, after the adjournment with few pieces left on the board, any number of experts would have analyzed the positions and potential moves, and Watson, a non-chess person, could not have won the game in 3 or 4 moves.
And as Turturro acts out his bumbling fool routine: enter love interest Watson - a rich gal on holiday with Mother, for whom the world is filled with up and coming young fellas, perfect matches all for her daughters hand in marriage.
The primary aspect of this film which most people miss is that Luhzin lives his life as a chess game.
The only way that these films are similar is the use of chess and the characters being treated as pieces..
The movie makes it seem as if there will be no terrible psychological consequences to Watson's character from all this - yet we all know that there would be.
It's a very beautiful but also sad movie about a sensitive, eccentric, tormented character suffering from the burden of his own perfectionism.It is a love story indeed - about the love to a woman but first of all about his love to his favorite game.Of course also this movie can't match the original book.
The good news is that the movie is beautifully filmed, the settings and period clothing are luscious, Emily Watson gave us a solid performance, as did Geraldine James as her screen mother.
If you want to see a film about chess, I suggest "Searching for Bobby Fischer", for a love story about people in disparate circumstances try "Chasing Amy".