Russian Ark

Friday, July 4, 2014

DCP projection

“A superior Sokurov feature, and not only for its extraordinarily virtuoso mise-en-scène. Digitally shot in a single continuous take, it wanders around St Petersburg’s Hermitage, taking in the building, its furnishings and objets d’art, and a host of characters, historical and contemporary, both named (Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, Nicholas, Alexandra, Anastasia) and anonymous, while pondering the Russian soul and its ambivalent relationship with Europe. As the unseen film-maker and a 19th century French diplomat guide us on our journey through space and time, it’s hard not to be distracted by thoughts of how it was all choreographed, but a magnificent ball scene and the final poignant departure manage to work their magic.” – Time Out (London)

Part of the series Time Regained: Cinema’s Present Perfect in honor of the release of Richard Linklater’s BOYHOOD

• Country Russia
• Rating NR
• Year 2002
• Running Time 96 minutes
• Director Alexander Sokurov

IFC Center does not generally provide advisories about subject matter or potentially triggering content in films, as sensitivities vary from person to person. In addition to the synopses, trailers and other links on our website, further information about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media, IMDb and DoesTheDogDie.com as well as through general internet searches.