Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Victor Khomenko (M) on March 25, 2003 at 13:36:21

In Reply to: A friend's review of Russian Ark posted by clarkjohnsen on March 25, 2003 at 08:18:06:

***Did you notice how grainy the image was at the beginning in the dark entranceway? This is not a focus issue but a high film speed emulsion effect. It did not repeat after the actors arrived in the better illuminated interior. As the film constantly rolled I wondered if the director had seamless film but with a high speed emulsion for the low light condition which transitioned to lower speed chemicals at a certain time point to insure better image density, color saturation etc. in the well lighted Hermitage. What do you think about this? Too goofy or a possiblity? More of his genius?

Well, to those familiar with Sokurov and his tortured style that sounds all too natural. It always looks like he's got his hands on some pre-Revolution film stock and is using it as an artistic statement.

Look at Molokh and see if you can tell Eva from Adolf. Sounds like in the Ark he at least made SOME things visible.