Russian Ark (Russian: Russkij Kovcheg) (2002)
Director: Alexander Sokurov
Watched: 10/30/20
Rating: 4/5 stars
“Russian History 101: The Art Lover’s Version”
For your viewing pleasure today:
A feat of ambitious proportions,
A 96-minute uninterrupted steadicam shot,
A grand tour of 33 rooms in
A second largest museum in the world (after The Louvre),
A single day for filming,
A cast of over 2,000,
A collaboration of 3 orchestras,
A survey on 3 centuries of Russian history.
A dream?
A nightmare?
A drug-induced trip?
A semi-horror film?
A masterpiece of moving arts?
You decide! But it’s undeniable that Sokurov has given us something impressive- if for no other reason than its originality.
Title Meaning: The implication is metaphoric; The Hermitage Museum as a vessel to restore respect for Russian history.
“Sir. Sir. A pity you’re not here with me. You would understand everything. Look. The sea is all around. And we are destined to sail forever, to live forever.”
Further Reading:
http://www.angelfire.com/ult/cmcdouga/arkhome.htm (play by play guide)
https://youtu.be/ORMTAKh4NHI (Making of documentary)
https://www.hermitagemuseum.org/wps/portal/hermitage?lng=en (film location)
https://appleinsider.com/articles/20/03/10/new-shot-on-iphone-video-takes-5-hour-tour-of-hermitage-museum (5 Hour Tour of said museum filmed entirely by iPhone, updated “Russian Ark” for 2020?)