Saw "Russian Ark" yesterday. WOW!

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Granted the narrative thread was a little weak... and the sound was not "production sound" as it ought to have been... but, WOW!
Russian Ark is one long unedited sweep, revealing treasure after treasure through time upon time -- 17th Century playgoers, modern museum-goers, the paintings themselves in the Hermitage, three orchestras, dancers, winter weather...
Especially striking were the intimate scenes of Catherine the Great with children and the doomed Nicholas II in the family breakfast room. Of course you have to recognize the images...
The ballroom scene, with the mazurka being danced in splendid costumery, features several dozen minor roles. I'll not forget the chap whose eye was searching throughout for someone (or something) he never finds, undistracted by the merry proceedings or the camera.
The final scene is a brilliant tour-de-force such as never seen before in the theatre or on film. Soon as I saw what was developing, I laughed out loud.
And remember, all the many hundred actors and musicians have to be precisely lined up and ready to move when the unstoppable camera enters the door. This Russki Sokurov is a genius.
clark
The originally-posted Boston Herald review:

http://www.videoasylum.com/films/messages/15603.html (Open in New Window)

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Topic - Saw "Russian Ark" yesterday. WOW! - clarkjohnsen 10:47:08 03/14/03 (11)

This was truly a single shot? No detectable editing? (nt) - albee33 17:42:42 03/14/03 (4)

Only *one* spot where *maybe* -- - clarkjohnsen 11:03:32 03/15/03 (3)

forgive my ignorance, - mvwine 12:13:09 03/15/03 (2)

Re: hard disc drive, according to article...nt - geoffkait 09:52:09 03/16/03 (1)

Wow, thanks - mvwine 09:57:26 03/16/03 (0)

Re: Saw "Russian Ark" yesterday. WOW! - Victor Khomenko 17:28:53 03/14/03 (2)

Is first time see him Viktor. - clarkjohnsen 11:01:29 03/15/03 (1)

Re: Is first time see him Viktor. - Victor Khomenko 11:19:19 03/15/03 (0)

We're seeing it this weekend. - Harmonia 11:08:18 03/14/03 (2)

Well you might feel a little fidgety... - clarkjohnsen 12:04:13 03/14/03 (1)

Indianapolis... - Harmonia 08:46:21 03/16/03 (0)

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