Russian Ark: The Masterworks Edition

Russian Ark: The Masterworks Edition

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DVD Cover Information

• A modern filmmaker magically finds himself transported to the 18th century, where he embarks on a time-traveling journey through 300 years of Russian history. Filmed with a cast of thousands, three live orchestras and an army of technicians, Russian Ark is the longest uninterrupted shot in film history, and the first feature film ever created in a single take. Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: FO

Movie Reviews of Russian Ark: The Masterworks Edition

Movie Review: Not for everyone
Summary: 5 Stars

"Russian Ark" boasts thousands of characters, but the most important are a French Marquis and his Russian narrator. The nobleman suddenly "wakes up" in the Hermitage, surprised not only to find himself in Russia but also that he speaks Russian so well. He begins to stroll around the museum, taking in its artwork and the people he discovers in the various rooms. The Marquis is quite a character, a typical eighteenth/nineteenth century European that considers Russia a backward nation populated with barbaric Orientals and ruled over by bumpkin nobles. He often praises obviously European objet d'art even as he scoffs at the "inferior" Russian imitations. The good Marquis even has the temerity to criticize the type of artwork purchased abroad! His Russian companion tries to put up an appropriate defense of his people and his country, pointing out paintings and sculptures he finds marvelous. Still, the two disagree more often than they find common ground.

Something quite peculiar occurs as these two individuals stroll about the museum. Time is not what it seems in the Hermitage, as historical figures from various epochs in Russian history turn up in every room. The Marquis sees Peter the Great, Catherine, Pushkin, Tsar Nicholas II hobnobbing with his doomed family, a state visit from a Persian emissary, three directors of the museum pondering art, and an amazing ballroom party that is definitely the best part of the film. He also meets and argues with twentieth century Russians. Guess who we don't see wondering the halls in contemplation of the greatness adorning the walls? Yep, you got it. Nary a Lenin, Trotsky, Stalin, or Khrushchev can be found anywhere in the Hermitage. The only visual reference to the communist years I saw was a scene where the Marquis stumbles over a freezing room with pictures stacked up against the walls while bombs explode outside, obviously a snapshot of the dark days of World War II. That last, lingering shot of the partygoers filing out of the ballroom only to confront a freezing ocean outside the doors is an amazing metaphor for Russia's culture. Always adrift between Europe and Asia, threatened from without and from within, Sokurov's film says that Russia did develop its own unique culture and that it must be preserved at all costs. That ocean, I think, represents not only Western European encroachment in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, but the horrific nightmares of the communist takeover. Fortunately, the Hermitage-the Ark-protects Russia's glory.

Are there anachronisms in "Russian Ark"? Probably, but I didn't see any leaping off the screen. I am no expert on Russian history, and definitely no expert on art, but I know more than the average guy on the street about these historical eras. The great thing about the movie is that you don't need to be an expert on Russia to get something out of it. If you don't understand the ins and outs of art or history, the splendid visuals and the anticipation that a cut must, absolutely must, happen at some point is enough of a reason to watch the film. The ballroom mazurka at the end of the picture can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of nationality or breadth of historical knowledge. Watching that colorful procession going on and on for nearly thirty minutes brought tears to my eyes. I can only imagine what effect the film would have on a Russian.

The extras make the disc. You get a commentary, a trailer, a behind the scenes featurette, a short series of interviews with the principal crewmembers, and a fascinating look at the Hermitage and St. Petersburg. I found the latter extremely interesting as it showcases several individuals associated with restoring the treasures of the museum, a resident of the city who often visits the Hermitage, and a father interested in teaching his son about the country. All of these people have a great love of the museum, the culture, and the country. Particularly noteworthy is the man with the phonograph. He looks like he stepped right out of a Tolstoy novel, embodying everything we associate with the archetypical Russian. He's happy even while sad, whimsical and deeply religious. I highly recommend "Russian Ark" to anyone looking for a magical film filled with beautiful images. It's not for everyone, obviously, but it is a treasure trove for those viewers willing to put forth a little effort.

Summary of Russian Ark: The Masterworks Edition