Review of Russian Ark (2002) by Frederick V — 15 Apr 2015

Bashing this film for want of a plot is a little like badmouthing Shakespeare because he doesn't have enough chase scenes. I mean, plots are great and all, but they're just one narrative technique among many.

And the narrative technique of this movie is unlike anything. How else could you put the audience inside the head of a ghost, who's lost his sense of identity and his place in time, who meanders slowly through Russian history and through the architectural heaven that is the State Hermitage Museum? Many films are described as "dreamlike" but this film *is* a dream.

It's lovely and profound and puzzling in equal measure. A deep knowledge of Russian history or Renaisance painting (neither of which I have) would add a number of delights to this film, I'm certain, but personally I'd feel greedy to ask of anything more from it.

And don't call it a gimmick--that single long floating camera take is essential to the mood.