Uncle Vanya (1963 film) Uncle Vanya (1963 film) Uncle Vanya is a 1963 British film adaptation of the work "Uncle Vanya" by Anton Chekhov. The film was directed by Stuart Burge. It was a filmed version of the Chichester Festival production, directed by (and starring) Laurence Olivier as Astrov, and also starring Michael Redgrave (Vanya), Rosemary Harris (Elena), and Joan Plowright (Sonya). Harold Hobson of the "Sunday Times" described the production as "the admitted master achievement in British twentieth-century theatre", while "The New Yorker" called it "probably the best 'Vanya' in English we shall ever see". Later films of noted stage productions by Olivier
Uncle Vanya his life feels empty. As Vanya agonizes over his past, Astrov returns, somewhat drunk, and the two talk together. Sonya chides Vanya for his drinking, and responds pragmatically to his reflections on the futility of a wasted life, pointing out that only work is truly fulfilling. Outside, a storm is gathering and Astrov talks with Sonya about the suffocating atmosphere in the house; Astrov says Serebryakov is difficult, Vanya is a hypochondriac, and Yelena is charming but idle. He laments that it’s a long time since he loved anyone. Sonya begs Astrov to stop drinking, telling him it is unworthy