Review of Russian Ark (2002) by Jonny 9 — 06 Nov 2010
The film equivalent of the Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota. The key attraction of Russian Ark is its production. The film was completed in one long 90 minute take by 4,500 actors, musicians, costumers, grips, etc.
in one day at Russia's Hermitage historical museum originally built for Catherine the Great as her winter castle. The stated reason for this cinematic dare-deviltry is The Hermitage's need to avoid staying closed more than one day.
The film's production cost remains a closely guarded secret but seemingly paying 4500 people's salaries, the price of costumes, equipment, prepping the museum and so on would outweigh the lost ticket revenue from admission sales on that second (or maybe third) day.
Anyway, the resulting trip through the museum's 33 rooms behind Sergei Dontsov makes for attractive viewing but non-Russian audiences will likely be lost other than those with a B.S. in Russian history.
Bottom line, cine- and Russiaphiles may enjoy the outing but the general audience will be left flat.
This review of Russian Ark (2002) was written by Jonny 9 on 06 Nov 2010.
Russian Ark has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
