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Russian Ark

(2002)

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*** of ****
Rated: G
Length: 96 minutes
Writers:
 Alexander Sokurov
 Anatoly Nikiforov
Dialogues:
 Boris Khaimsky
 Alexander Sokurov
 Svetlana Proskurina
Director: Aleksandr Sokurov
Director of Photography: Tilman Buettner
Camera: Sony High Definition (Sony HDW-F900).  Introductory usage.
Live Music Performed by: The Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra
Cast:
 Sergei Dontsov: French Diplomat
 Mikhail Piotrovsky: Himself (Hermitage Director)

 Synopsis:
The film portrays Russian history by sampling events that occurred in and near the Hermitage with respect to culture, art, and attitudes relating to both.  The
French diplomat and the unseen narrator wander through the palace without knowing where they are going.  They stumble across events and artworks that
define Russia's history.  

 Review:
To be, or not to be European.  That is the question that has weighed upon Russia's soul for a great long time.  A perpetual identity crisis has solidified to
become part of the national identity, and this film reinforces the view that Russia has both a unique identity, and an insecurity about it.  

The set was inherently accurate, and the costuming was lavish and detailed.  The nearly 900 actors & extras performed well and kept the flow going at an
even pace.  The Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra gave a series of performances that was very impressive.  The technique of switching between cultural
activities and works of art served well to highlight the major themes being developed as our leaders take us along this journey.  The over use of various
security guards to force the journey to the next step was a bit annoying.  I did prefer the following of the period patrons method considerably more.  The
closing scene gives a poignant view of the future of the Hermitage and all of Russia.  

It would have helped if I had known more detail about Russian history before seeing this, but it was still good.  The groups of Russian speaking audience
members seemed to enjoy the show.  This is the first uncompressed high definition film shot digitally, and it looked great.  The camera rarely remained still,
so there was a floating effect for the audience which made us feel more like voyeurs.  It was shot in a single take of over an hour and a half.  There are no
car chases or typical hollywood tripe here, but if you want to see a film that is both unique in perspective and technique, then this is one to see.