Russian Ark
mrbigbluelight
Posts: 9,833
Well ..... due to my inability to properly convey my feelings about this movie, let me "Cut and Paste" from "RottenTomatoes" and "Imdb" the basic storylines , if I may:
Imdb (Review rating average = 7.2 out of 10)
"A 19th century French aristocrat, notorious for his scathing memoirs about life in Russia, travels through the Russian State Hermitage Museum and encounters historical figures from the last 200+ years. "
RottenTomatoes (Review rating average = 7.8 out of 10)
"Told in one fluid shot, a tale, which floats like a dreamlike journey through the spaces of the majestic Hermitage in St. Petersburg, engaging real and imagined characters from Russian and European history. The nameless protagonist, a 19th-century French diplomat, guides the audience through a lost, sumptuous dream--meant to be considered and experienced as the Enlightenment period. The film-staged among some of the masterpieces of the Western Art tradition--climaxes in a pageant of color, motion, and music. For Sokurov, the Hermitage--home to generations of Romonovs and repository of so much Russian history--is the ark of the Russian soul, guarding it affectionately until the world sees better days"
That synopsis kind of sucked, but .... better than I could do :redface:. I do have to disagree with both movie site ratings.
"Russian Ark" is a ........ 12 out of 10.
It is stupendous. Simple as that.
Director Alexander Sokurov used German HD specialists to shoot this 96 minute film uninterrupted and unedited.
On one Steadycam.
In one take.
In today's Hollywood, that would be used as a "device" to "market" a movie ( even then I'd like to see them try it; they couldn't ).
Those Russians and Germans got it right. The "one take" aspect is merely icing on a cake.
The excellent storyline draws you in ( sort of a 1st person shooter experience ) and makes you think. It has a lot of symbolism and metaphors. Little plums scattered everywhere. No Hollywood spoon-feeding here.
Visually it is stunning. The 800+ actors/actresses wear period correct costumes (and the time periods are mixed: 300 years) and are totally in character. It is filmed at the Hermitage (winter party palace of the Romanovs and Russian Czars).
There are 3 orchestras that play throughout the film. The audio is remarkable as it is recorded "As Is". There's no going back to the studio and laying over of audio tracks. Amazing.
If you happen to view this film, I'd suggest you watch it with Producer Jenns Meurer commentary off. Allow yourself to get drawn into the film. Allow the "What is that ?", "Why is that ?", "Who is that" questions to arise.
Then watch it again with the commentary on.
Checked Amazon for availability: $38.71 for the "Russian Ark Masterworks Edition".
http://www.amazon.com/Russian-Ark-Masterworks-Anna-Aleksakhina/dp/B00009NHAT/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1290966679&sr=8-1
If I may suggest, read some of the "Customer Reviews". They express the .... awesomeness (?) .... much better than I can.
I know it's available at Blockbuster, so ..... logoff, step away from the keyboard, and go rent it.
I'd suggest not trying to watch "Russian Ark" if the grandkids are over, etc.
Allow yourself to be drawn into this movie without having to monitor Lil' Billy, etc.
Imdb (Review rating average = 7.2 out of 10)
"A 19th century French aristocrat, notorious for his scathing memoirs about life in Russia, travels through the Russian State Hermitage Museum and encounters historical figures from the last 200+ years. "
RottenTomatoes (Review rating average = 7.8 out of 10)
"Told in one fluid shot, a tale, which floats like a dreamlike journey through the spaces of the majestic Hermitage in St. Petersburg, engaging real and imagined characters from Russian and European history. The nameless protagonist, a 19th-century French diplomat, guides the audience through a lost, sumptuous dream--meant to be considered and experienced as the Enlightenment period. The film-staged among some of the masterpieces of the Western Art tradition--climaxes in a pageant of color, motion, and music. For Sokurov, the Hermitage--home to generations of Romonovs and repository of so much Russian history--is the ark of the Russian soul, guarding it affectionately until the world sees better days"
That synopsis kind of sucked, but .... better than I could do :redface:. I do have to disagree with both movie site ratings.
"Russian Ark" is a ........ 12 out of 10.
It is stupendous. Simple as that.
Director Alexander Sokurov used German HD specialists to shoot this 96 minute film uninterrupted and unedited.
On one Steadycam.
In one take.
In today's Hollywood, that would be used as a "device" to "market" a movie ( even then I'd like to see them try it; they couldn't ).
Those Russians and Germans got it right. The "one take" aspect is merely icing on a cake.
The excellent storyline draws you in ( sort of a 1st person shooter experience ) and makes you think. It has a lot of symbolism and metaphors. Little plums scattered everywhere. No Hollywood spoon-feeding here.
Visually it is stunning. The 800+ actors/actresses wear period correct costumes (and the time periods are mixed: 300 years) and are totally in character. It is filmed at the Hermitage (winter party palace of the Romanovs and Russian Czars).
There are 3 orchestras that play throughout the film. The audio is remarkable as it is recorded "As Is". There's no going back to the studio and laying over of audio tracks. Amazing.
If you happen to view this film, I'd suggest you watch it with Producer Jenns Meurer commentary off. Allow yourself to get drawn into the film. Allow the "What is that ?", "Why is that ?", "Who is that" questions to arise.
Then watch it again with the commentary on.
Checked Amazon for availability: $38.71 for the "Russian Ark Masterworks Edition".
http://www.amazon.com/Russian-Ark-Masterworks-Anna-Aleksakhina/dp/B00009NHAT/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1290966679&sr=8-1
If I may suggest, read some of the "Customer Reviews". They express the .... awesomeness (?) .... much better than I can.
I know it's available at Blockbuster, so ..... logoff, step away from the keyboard, and go rent it.
I'd suggest not trying to watch "Russian Ark" if the grandkids are over, etc.
Allow yourself to be drawn into this movie without having to monitor Lil' Billy, etc.
Sal Palooza
Post edited by mrbigbluelight on
Comments
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It's really not all that difficult (in theory) to do a non-action movie in 1 take. If you have truly talented actors, and take the time to rehearse and work out any kinks, you have a smooth ride.
Stage actors do it every day. Think about Broadway shows...immense amount of action happening on the stage at any one time, with music and fireworks and dancing, etc. No "CUT...do it again!", or "LINE!"...Just people who know their parts and can play them well.
I don't consider Hollywood actors to be true "actors", simply because they have a crutch (the director). There are plenty of "real" actors in Hollywood though, those who came from Broadway roots or return to Broadway at different times in their careers."Dr Dunn admitted that his research could also be interpreted as evidence that women are shallower than men. He said: "Let's face it - there's evidence to support it."
My System:Best Buy is for people who don't know any better. Magnolia is for people who don't know any better and have more money to spend.
TV: SAMSUNG UN55B7000 55" 1080p LED HDTV
HTPC: Chromecast w/ Plex Media Server. Media streamed from Media Server. -
Broadway actors do perform live every day; granted. I happen to believe that actors/actresses who cut their teeth on the stage develop their talent to a higher degree.
But I don't believe there are any Broadway shows that shuttle 800+ actors/actresses on stage in a 96 minute period.Sal Palooza
