Movie Review of Russian Ark

Russian Ark was directed in 2002 by Alexander Sukurov. It is filmed in a single 96 minute shot. The film looks like a dream narrated by the director. In the beginning of the film, the narrator said that he has been dead because of a mysterious accident. He meets a French diplomat Marquis with whom he follows the 300 years of Russian History. They meet different historical and fictional characters from the history as they enter each room. The rooms present the specific era of the Russian history. The film included a court scene in which Shah of Iran sent an apology for the death of Alexander Griboedov. It also included a grand ball featuring Orchestra and dancers. The family life of Tsar Nicolas has been discussed in the film. The scenes from War World 1 and destruction caused by the war can be seen in one of the scenes. The film is technically fascinating as it is filmed in a single shot. The narrator and Marquis are visible to audience and interacted with the characters in some parts of the film. The architecture of the building and backgrounds of the scenes are incredible. The costumes are relevant with each era of the history. The music included in the film is by Mikhail Glinka. The scenes are connected to each other although they are not in chronological order. The film ends as the narrator leaves the building ans sees it as floating in the sea.