Re: There are two ways to be entertained by Russian Ark.

On number one... it is mandatory for the viewer to be aware of the way the film was shot - in one smooth non-stop motion. While this is "just a technical detail", it gives the viewing experience much stronger flavor - one does get mesmerized by how seamlessly the scenes follow each other, and one must appreciate the enormous effort it took to orchestrate the whole thing... some directors can't shoot two minutes straight.

Technical merits do not a fine movie make, however, so one is obligated to look at other sides too.

There the movie is a hit and miss collage. Some scenes are completely artistic, deep and involving (the two figures in the winter garden... the Flora-girls running through the corridors... ), while others are outright boring.

History... yes, it helps enormously, as otherwise many scenes simply have no meaning. On balance that was the weakest part, I think.

AND... most importantly, I think.... one should constantly be turning head, looking left and right, like a tourist on a London double-decker, except one moving at 100mph - as the scenery in the film is simply without an equal anywhere in the world.

There is no question a foreigner will get very different impression from it than an educated Russian, and I still consider it to a large degree a tourist promo work, but I do not regret seeing it, and would not mind seeing it again. Of course I am spoiled - I walked through Hermitage in March, and will walk again in September.

All in all, not an easy film to swallow for an unprepared viewer.

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Russian Ark in HDnet, Monday, June 7 at 8 PM NT - Ruben 23:39:12 06/06/04 (14)

I didn't get it. - Alex Yakovlev 18:02:42 06/08/04 (0)

If you like Russian Ark, try.... - ephemere 12:47:18 06/08/04 (0)

Shouldn't a film be entertaining? - Jon L 10:31:45 06/08/04 (3)

There are two ways to be entertained by Russian Ark. - ephemere 12:44:01 06/08/04 (2)

Re: There are two ways to be entertained by Russian Ark. - Victor Khomenko 13:22:04 06/08/04 (1)

Hermitage - ephemere 14:03:09 06/08/04 (0)

Did you watch it? What are your impressions? (nt) - Victor Khomenko 08:08:44 06/08/04 (0)

Re: Russian Ark in HDnet, Monday, June 7 at 8 PM NT - Victor Khomenko 06:41:55 06/07/04 (6)

"...by using better film stock." It was digital -- like everything all too soon will be. nt - clarkjohnsen 14:51:21 06/07/04 (3)

Clark... clark... I wasn't talking about the Ark as much - Victor Khomenko 15:35:45 06/07/04 (2)

Let me know... nt - clarkjohnsen 15:39:02 06/07/04 (1)

Spoke to him last night... - Victor Khomenko 06:15:49 06/08/04 (0)

I'd argue the hours would be better spent at the public library looking at an - tinear 07:46:48 06/07/04 (1)

I don't think I have a problem with that suggestion... - Victor Khomenko 07:58:03 06/07/04 (0)

Follow Ups

Re: There are two ways to be entertained by Russian Ark. - Victor Khomenko 13:22:04 06/08/04 (1)

Hermitage - ephemere 14:03:09 06/08/04 (0)

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