Starring: Hugo Weaving, David Wenham, Natalia Novikova, Sacha Horler
Director:
Rated: M
As one might expect from the title, the Babushka, the Russian doll that houses smaller dolls within, makes an early appearance in Russian Doll and remains a metaphor for the development of the principal characters throughout.
The entire story is built on layers of deceit. Leading Sydney Jew, Ethan (David Wenham) meets Katia (Natalia Novikova), a recently abandoned Internet bride from St Petersburg.
Though appearing to be happily married, Ethan embarks on an adulterous affair with Katia. Meanwhile, Ethan’s best friend, the heavy-drinking, “atheistic Catholic”, down-on-his-luck, private eye, Harvey (Hugo Weaving) has just dumped his would-be fiancee because he saw her with another man. Ethan wants Katia to stay in Australia and so he pays Harvey to marry her. Miriam (Rebecca Frith), Ethan’s unsuspecting wife, organises the entire event.
One thing goes wrong: Harvey and Katia start to fall in love.
Since the revival of the Australian cinema in 1970, the genre of the screwball comedy is not one we have attempted very often. Russian Doll is an enjoyable and decent effort in this direction.
For such a film to work it needs disciplined actors who never take the humour into parody and a tight script. Russian Doll has both. Sacha Horler, for example, plays Katia’s Russian friend Lisa. It is worth admission just to hear her roll the “r” in her frequent line, “So Harrrr-vey, tell me ! “
The cast is terrific and the pace of the film is just right.
There is some coarse language, profanities and adult themes in this film which will offend some viewers, but in the end Russian Doll celebrates the dignity and respect found in a faithful, monogamous marriage. Even the immoral Ethan lives up to his cymbal-playing namesake in the First Book of Chronicles and leads the rejoicing crowd.
