The Kreutzer Sonata (2008)

53% of critics liked it
(17 reviews)
33% of users liked it
(63 ratings)

Based on a story written by Leo Tolstoy in response to Ludwig van Beethoven's eponymous composition, director Bernard Rose's mature dissection of modern marriage tells the tale of a wealthy philanthropist (Danny Huston) who becomes intensely possessive of his wife (Elisabeth Röhm) -- a beautiful and… More Based on a story written by Leo Tolstoy in response to Ludwig van Beethoven's eponymous composition, director Bernard Rose's mature dissection of modern marriage tells the tale of a wealthy philanthropist (Danny Huston) who becomes intensely possessive of his wife (Elisabeth Röhm) -- a beautiful and talented pianist. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 39 min.
Directed By: Bernard Rose
Written By: Lisa Enos, Bernard Rose
Genres: Mystery & Suspense, Drama

In Theaters: Jun 17, 2009 Wide
On DVD: May 7, 2012
Studio: IFC Films

Critic Reviews

Amber Wilkinson, Eye for Film
The acting and the scene direction have a delicate, organic feel that is stomped all over by the narration and noise.
Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall
A gripping, Hitchcockian marital thriller with the added value of a score by Ludvig van Beethoven himself
Robbie Collin, News of the World
It's actually pretty watchable thanks to a demented turn from Huston, a terrifyingly tense final act and, shall we say, a 'committed' performance from Liz.
Kevin Harley, Total Film
Rohm brings subtlety to her role but Edgar's paranoia dominates, giving the hammy Huston too much room to over-cook this thin tragedy.
Derek Malcolm, This is London
It may ultimately lack subtlety, but it peers into the hearts and minds of its two weird protagonists with some skill.
Henry Fitzherbert, Daily Express
It's all overwrought and unpersuasive.
Anthony Quinn, Independent
Not Tolstoyan.
Nigel Andrews, Financial Times
The shlock-therapy emotional buttons are pushed one after another.
Grant Rollings, Sun Online
The only thing I wanted Huston to take off were the bling shades he wears inside, while the muffled dialogue, out-of-focus camerawork and slow pace had me thinking about abstaining from movie-going.
Tim Robey, Daily Telegraph
It's a model of low-budget candour and bite.
Philip French, Observer [UK]
It's consistently and coldly erotic, and omits Tolstoy's cranky ideas on marriage and sexual abstinence without putting anything comparable in their place.
Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK]
Bold, brilliant and exhilarating: an intimately horrible, sexually explicit and black-comic portrait of a toxic marriage.
David Parkinson, Radio Times
Intense, if inconsistent.
Wendy Ide, Times [UK]
The occasionally rough hand-held camerawork and the non-linear structure add to the sense of nervous tension that vibrates in the film like a static charge.
Edward Porter, Times [UK]
The shark-grinned Huston can be a charismatic presence, but this particular performance has no kind of aura.
Jonas Milk, Little White Lies
Shocking as the ending is, it's fudged, too.

Read all 16 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Gordon A

Rose partners up again with his go to guy Huston for a torrid tale of male jealousy out of control. It has a thoughtful, insightful script but is spoiled by its cheap look and technique.