the cheesy orchard movie

I thought the movie failed in precisely the way Checkhov would have felt vindicated: the over-dramatic presentation of the play in the movie was laughable. The seriousness with which the actors sometimes delivered their lines was not only a distraction, but a disservice to the original play. Yasha, portrayed by Gerard Butler, was the only character who we were meant to leaugh at, yet I found myself laughing at everyone. I think Chekhov would feel vindicated by the awkward portrayal of his play in such a manner, as he would think that this is proof that The Cherry Orchard is more suited to be presented as a comedy.