Russian Ark: A Never-Ending Journey in One Sweeping Take

So, let me just start by saying: Russian Ark. What a trip! I mean, just thinking about Aleksandr Sokurov pulling off that one continuous take—oh boy, that’s some wild filmmaking! It’s like he decided to make a film without hitting the ‘pause’ button. Seriously, try simulating that with your family’s old VHS camcorder from the 90s, impossible right?

I remember stepping into the cinema that cold November evening, the air was crisp and I could almost taste the anticipation. It was 2002, back when we still used floppy disks—Spännande, eh? Sitting in the plush red seat, surrounded by folks eager to see what was touted as a ‘technical marvel’. And it was, though kinda like a Russian smörgåsbord, a bit overwhelming.

The real kicker? Three hundred years of Russian history, all rolled into one. It’s like a museum visit without the sore feet. We’ve got Mikhail Piotrovsky and Sergei Dreiden dancing through time like they’re at some grand masquerade, which, to be honest, they kind of are. The Winter Palace setting, draped in every possible shade of opulence, compelled me to pinch myself. Was I really still in Sweden, or did I teleport straight into Russian aristocracy?

But here’s the thing, I couldn’t help but feel like it was a bit too artsy-fartsy at times. Sure, the cinematography is like a perfectly crafted smörgåstårta, rich and layered, but not everyone’s cup of tea. It’s as if Sokurov is whispering, “Are you paying attention?” And maybe I wasn’t always, you know?

Yet, even if your tastebuds aren’t entirely tuned to this cinematic feast, there’s something undeniably cool about witnessing one seamless journey without a single cut. Like seeing Göta Kanal in one unbroken ride. Russian Ark isn’t just a film; it’s like stepping into a painting, absorbing everything from the past through one spinning, majestic brushstroke.

Would I recommend it? Yeah, I reckon it’s worth a watch, especially if you’ve got a soft spot for history and bold artistry. Just maybe keep a dictionary close if you’re not up on your Dostoyevsky.

So, next fika, I say we chat about how long we’d last in a single-take

Check the trailer below