Any film based on Checkov's work is bound to be talky. And since Vanya actually takes place in the theatre world, the performances and the rest are appropriately modulated. I do hope that you watch the film in its entirety. It's certainly no masterpiece but it's better than many other adaptations.

I'm not a fan of Damage either. On the other hand, among Malle's late works, Au revoir les enfants is great.