Russian Ark

Wow, what an experience… Russian Ark was an amazing movie. But far from your typical movie. I would actually compare it more closely to a painting than to a movie. There was no plot to speak of, no characters, no action, sparse dialogue, no conflict, no climax or resolution. Instead, we took a leisurely stroll through St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum. Our guide was the director of Russian Ark, Alexander Sokurov. He played a modern cinematographer who was transported back in time by some freak accident. We see the Hermitage museum through his first person view. Shortly after arriving at the Museum, the narrator encounters another person who has been transported back in time, an 18th century French Marquis. Together, the two wander through the museum, examining paintings, witnessing events that took place in the halls throughout history. The narrator is completely invisible to everyone except the Marquis, though the Marqius can be seen by everyone.

The movie paints a dazzling portrait of Russian history. It takes the viewer on an emotional and sensual trip through the worlds of Russian art and culture.

There is very little I could say that would accurately describe the movie for you… so you will just have to go see it for yourself!

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