Russian Ark

Russian Ark (2002)

Sometimes movies based on big, grandiose ideas can end up feeling gimmicky and pretentious. But other times, risky, ambitious ideas can lead to incredible movie magic. In my opinion, Russian Ark (2002) is an example of the latter: some very well-executed grandiosity.

This film does not have a conventional plotline. It follows an unseen narrator (voiced by the director, Alexander Sokurov) wandering through the Russian Winter Palace in St. Petersburg (part of the Hermitage museum), the official residence of the Tsars from 1732 to 1917.

The narrator seems lost at first, and it is implied that he might be a ghost. In the first scene, he links up with a ghost companion, who is known simply as “the European” (Sergei Dreiden), based on the Marquis de Custine, a 19th century French aristocrat.

The two ghost men walk through the Winter Palace, observing moments in Russian history as they wander through the different rooms. Although they sometimes interact with others in the Palace, they often seem to go unseen. In between encounters with historical figures, the two men discuss Russian history, Russian identity and its relationship with the rest of Europe.

But what makes this move so ambitious, unique and special? Well for one thing, Sokurov filmed the entire 96-minute film in one continuous take. No editing, just one long take, using a steady-cam while walking through the Palace. The result is the longest continuous shot in film history.

And just to give you a bit of context, although the film takes place in a small fraction of the Hermitage’s 365 rooms, the path the camera takes is nearly 2 kilometers long. Sokurov had permission to film in 33 rooms of the Winter Palace and all filming had to be completed in a single day. They would get exactly three tries to get it right; if a mistake was made, they would have to restart filming from the first scene.

Clearly, Russian Ark was a project that required meticulous planning. Sokurov traced the 2 km path through the palace, taking care to ensure that anything the camera might encounter was accounted for. Months of rehearsals with more than 2,000 actors, 100s of crew members and technicians, and three separate orchestras took place, ensuring each room was ready for action as the camera came in. And even with all of that, the first two takes failed. Luckily, the third and last possible take was a success.

The film unfolds almost like an intricate theater performance, with hundreds of choreographed pieces moving in coordination. As the narrator walks through the palace we are walking with him, observing the action taking place around us.

I like this movie a lot, but I know it won’t be for everyone. Even if you don’t watch it, I think it’s still worth knowing that sometimes a completely bonkers idea that seems impossible can end up working out!

Russian Ark is available to stream on YouTube, but for a higher quality version you can rent it from the library or on iTunes. Enjoy!