Films/DVD Asylum

Re: Russian Ark in HDnet, Monday, June 7 at 8 PM NT

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Victor Khomenko

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In Reply to: Russian Ark in HDnet, Monday, June 7 at 8 PM NT posted by Ruben on June 06, 2004 at 23:39:12:

A must, if you haven't seen it. Unfortunately also one of those cases where HDTV makes no difference, as the image quality is intentionally shitty beyond belief - typical Sokurov's signature, boring in itself in extreme... his childish "trademark"? Like an objectinable smell it follows him, and seeing many of his films I still refuse to believe they would not gain something by using better film stock. Seeing the pale ill-defined shadows move on the screen is not something I usually enjoy.

Follow Ups:

"...by using better film stock." It was digital -- like everything all too soon will be. nt - clarkjohnsen 14:51:21 06/07/04 (3)
dc
- Clark... clark... I wasn't talking about the Ark as much - Victor Khomenko 15:35:45 06/07/04 (2)
  Ark is actually perhaps his most watchable movie - try some earlier ones, from the time when he developed his ugly touch.
  I presume he knew that the Ark's target audience (foreigners, for sure... we've been through this one!) would not tolerate the images of the Molokh, so he had to tone his "artistism" down great deal.
  I believe his "touch" indeed originated from bad film stock, but as I have not been exacty the student of his art, I will not swear to that at this moment. I will find out for sure - one friend is his fan and has all his films.
  - Let me know... nt - clarkjohnsen 15:39:02 06/07/04 (1)
    z
    - Spoke to him last night... - Victor Khomenko 06:15:49 06/08/04 (0)
      ...he didn't remember that episode. I don't know where I heard/read about it, just remember the fact itself... maybe someone pulled my leg.
      He referred me to Sokurov's web site, modestly called Sokurov's Island, and I poked around that one, it is in Russian, of course, but also no mention of that story... so at this point consider it for what it's worth.
I'd argue the hours would be better spent at the public library looking at an - tinear 07:46:48 06/07/04 (1)
art book of the Hermitage's collection.
I'd guess the director's a geezer...it smells like one of those art movies of the sixties. You know, with glacial pacing to appeal to the literatti.
- I don't think I have a problem with that suggestion... - Victor Khomenko 07:58:03 06/07/04 (0)
  I agree that a familiarity with subject would help while watching the film - I would still recommend watching it afterwards.
  May I raise the stakes a bit? How about actually visiting the place? Easily accessible these days... I have had American friends do various tours quite inexpensively, with a few days there.

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