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Connor Macgregor Reviews...Russian Ark
Intro: Many people have praised this film's excellence on a technical scale due to its one long shot that goes on through beginning to end. Having now watched it myself, I can say that it is a film to be experienced, even if you might not like it.
Plot: An unseen man regains consciousness, not knowing who or where he is. No one seems to be able to see him, except the mysterious man dressed in black. He eventually learns through their discussions that this man is a 19th-century French aristocrat, who he coins the "European". This turn of events is unusual as the unseen man has a knowledge of the present day. The two quickly learn that they are in the Winter Palace of the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, the European who has a comprehensive knowledge of Russian history to his time. As the two travel through the palace and its grounds, they interact with people from various eras of Russian history, either through events that have happened at the palace or through the viewing of artefacts housed in the museum. Ultimately, the unseen man's desired journey is to move forward, with or without his European companion.
Experimental: Because of the method its shot, Russian Ark is widely seen as experimental in its nature. The one shot angle works, and the film flows as if you're a part of the experience. A ghost floating through time, watching little moments in history, interconnect with each other. It's beautiful. Really really beautiful filmmaking. And one which can be like early virtual reality in some ways. The man in black was an unofficial guide of sorts, helping you through the many timelines and scenarios as he walks. Helping you, the character make sense of it all.
Costumes: I for one think the costumes are fantastic. Very well detailed and beautiful to watch. The 19th century is always an intriguing century to look at fashion-wise, and it's here that we get a good sense of high society through fashion. The women look beautiful, The men look smart and powerful, creating a mysterious world in a mysterious place.
However: The ending drifts a bit too long, as we walk with the people at the end of the dance. You sort of wish you could cut to the chase and end the film, but because of the film's experimental, you drift slowly at the same pace of the crowd. And...it takes its toll.
Overall: Russian Ark is a must-see film for studying purposes, or because of its such a crucial film in cinematic history. Give it a watch, and see what you think.
Rating: 99% - A
Connor Macgregor Reviews...Russian Ark
Intro: Many people have praised this film's excellence on a technical scale due to its one long shot that goes on through beginning to end. Having now watched it myself, I can say that it is a film to be experienced, even if you might not like it.
Plot: An unseen man regains consciousness, not knowing who or where he is. No one seems to be able to see him, except the mysterious man dressed in black. He eventually learns through their discussions that this man is a 19th-century French aristocrat, who he coins the "European". This turn of events is unusual as the unseen man has a knowledge of the present day. The two quickly learn that they are in the Winter Palace of the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, the European who has a comprehensive knowledge of Russian history to his time. As the two travel through the palace and its grounds, they interact with people from various eras of Russian history, either through events that have happened at the palace or through the viewing of artefacts housed in the museum. Ultimately, the unseen man's desired journey is to move forward, with or without his European companion.
Experimental: Because of the method its shot, Russian Ark is widely seen as experimental in its nature. The one shot angle works, and the film flows as if you're a part of the experience. A ghost floating through time, watching little moments in history, interconnect with each other. It's beautiful. Really really beautiful filmmaking. And one which can be like early virtual reality in some ways. The man in black was an unofficial guide of sorts, helping you through the many timelines and scenarios as he walks. Helping you, the character make sense of it all.
Costumes: I for one think the costumes are fantastic. Very well detailed and beautiful to watch. The 19th century is always an intriguing century to look at fashion-wise, and it's here that we get a good sense of high society through fashion. The women look beautiful, The men look smart and powerful, creating a mysterious world in a mysterious place.
However: The ending drifts a bit too long, as we walk with the people at the end of the dance. You sort of wish you could cut to the chase and end the film, but because of the film's experimental, you drift slowly at the same pace of the crowd. And...it takes its toll.
Overall: Russian Ark is a must-see film for studying purposes, or because of its such a crucial film in cinematic history. Give it a watch, and see what you think.
Rating: 99% - A