Russian Ark

You know how some films have long takes that can last for minutes (like Rope), or others that appear to be edit free but really aren’t (like Birdman)?  How about an entire ninety min picture done in a single take for real without trickery?  And not a stripped down thing where it all takes place in one room or with minimal camera movements like you’re watching a play, but a full blown production.  Well a crazy sonuvabitch named Aleksandr Sokurov did just that back in December 2001.  And I guess he felt it wasn’t enough of a challenge already so he went for an epic period piece as well.

As the title implies this is a Russian production and takes place entirely in The Hermitage, the famous gargantuan sprawling art museum (2^nd largest in the world) in St. Petersburg.  The story is about a man who is either dreaming or he’s died and wanders through the endless wings of the museum encountering Russian historical figures like Peter the Great, Catherine the Great and Nicholas (Romanov) II.  This covers from about the late 1600’s to the early 1900’s.  We never see the narrator whose pov we’re using but he meets a travel companion early on, a French aristocrat who is referred to as the European.  Everyone can see and hear the European but the European is the only one that can see and hear the narrator.  That may sound confusing but it’s not at all when you’re watching it.

The two take in many paintings, philosophize about art and a little about life and overall enjoy the collection and various individuals they run into along the way.  They see part of a stage play in a small theater, converse with a woman about van Dyck, sneak through a grand formal ceremony where Russia is hosting Persia and crash a ball where everyone is having a blast doing the latest waltz.  It’s like those Night at the Museum movies where the place has come to life only it’s not incredibly asinine.

The movie works just on this simple abstract story idea level.  I wanna be clear about that because it gets overshadowed by its impressive technical achievements.  I think even if this were shot in a traditional fashion it would still be very engaging and a great piece.

However, half the film really is about the gimmick of one solitary take.  This is the central premise out of which the project grew.  The story came later and was tailored to be relatively modest so the filmmakers could focus enough attention on how to pull off such a feat.  And it took years of planning and a customized steadicam rig and an immense understanding of filmmaking to undertake. 

Sokurov and co only had one day to shoot because that’s all The Hermitage would allow.  So they had to install sets, props and lighting overnight, get all the actors into costume and makeup (over 1,000 in period dress!) and then break it all down.  They managed to get the magic take on the fourth try.  Each time before that they made it less than twenty minutes.  Cameraman/cinematographer Tilman Buttner (Run Lola Run, Downfall, Hanna, Hitman: Agent 47, Metallica: Live in Concert) was suffering from such extreme exhaustion and pain by the last stretch he almost gave up but got an adrenaline boost when he saw the finale ballroom sequence play out before him with hundreds of people dancing and socializing while the orchestra plays the Mikhail Glinka Mazurka.  He fuckin’ powered through and made it to the end.

The Hermitage is a metaphorical ark that houses the finest Russian (and some non-Russian) art.  Anything within its walls, as well as the gorgeous architecture of the museum itself, is to be preserved for future generations even if there’s a catastrophic flood, you know like in that bible doohickey.  As it turns out though the museum ends up being a literal ark as well (I promise that’s not a spoiler), which is pretty silly but at the same time kinda fitting for this dream we sweep through.

This is probably the most Russian-y movie ever (I honestly don’t know if I’ve seen another Russian picture).  It’s serious at times, lighthearted at times, elegant yet disciplined and arty as hell.  But it’s also about one-upmanship (you have a ten min long take?  I have a ninety min long take!), technical prowess, pride and a statement on Russian culture.  One of the most interesting aspects is how critical the European is of Russia and the narrator doesn’t like it.  Sokurov is saying these things about his own country but he uses an outsider to convey them.

Actual shot from the movie and not a
cast photo after they've wrapped

I was expecting this to be pure gimmick with little to no substance but the film turned out to be a very special viewing experience.  Visually the movie is stunning with jaw dropping attention to detail and floating majestic camera work.  It’s clear that this is meant to be seen on a big screen which unfortunately I was not able to do.  That didn’t diminish its effect on me though.

As much as I want to recommend this guy to everyone I come across I know it’s gonna turn a lot of folks off.  Yes it’s pretentious, yes it’s arty, yes it’s an abstract concept, yes it’s pretty damn Terrence Malick-y.  But I’d still say give it a shot.  It’s an amazing journey.