Anton Chekhov's The Duel 2010

Keith Uhlich, Time Out: The performers clearly relish these lines, and Scott, simultaneously feral, manic and despondent, is a particular standout. Read more

David Edelstein, New York Magazine/Vulture: Though it's not all it could be, Anton Chekhov's The Duel is convincingly--yes--Chekhovian. Read more

John Hartl, Seattle Times: Much of what is spelled out in the book is artfully condensed for the film, which was shot in Croatia and is pretty enough to double as a tourist lure. Read more

Jonathan F. Richards, Film.com: The setting of the title event is spectacular, and the photography is wonderful. In places the movie seems as lazy as Laevsky. But Chekhov's story provides a lot to chew on. Read more

Sam Adams, AV Club: The Duel never develops an overarching sense of purpose, but the film's behavioral observations are keen enough that a more pronounced thesis would be superfluous. Read more

Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic: Read more

Wesley Morris, Boston Globe: You want bite. But the movie's teeth are locked behind the dramatic equivalent of a retainer. Read more

Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor: Chekhov's stories and plays often vibrate in that zone where comedy and tragedy are indistinguishable. And so it is with this movie. Read more

Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times: Mary Bing's debut feature script sticks close to the novella, and director Kosashvili is always alive to the story's richness of character and situation. Read more

Anthony Lane, New Yorker: Little happens onscreen. The characters bicker, picnic, bathe, and borrow money: the usual small change of the Chekhovian deal. Read more

V.A. Musetto, New York Post: The Duel is scrumptious and refined. It contains superb acting by all, expert pacing and lensing that might make you hop the next jetliner to Croatia. Read more

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: It somehow isn't as exciting as a duel over a woman should be. If you're not well rested before entering the theater, it could put you under. Read more

Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle: If you see this movie, it will give you more pleasure and more to think about than any of the more popular entries currently out there. Read more

Ronnie Scheib, Variety: While remaining faithful to its source, places its febrile "Moscow Hamlet" in surroundings so vibrant that tragedy seems an indulgence. Read more

J. Hoberman, Village Voice: In any case, The Duel is the most successful literary adaptation I've seen since Pascal Ferran's 2006 Lady Chatterley. Read more