Thursday, Dec. 12, 2002
Russian Ark, Alexander Sokurov, Russia
If ever a movie demanded to be seen twice, this is it: a tour of the Hermitage Museum, for 150 years the Winter Palace of the czars. First time around, breathe in the atmosphere and intrigue, as the Romanov royalty scampers down the long corridors, dances at lavish balls (with 800 costumed extras) and doles out death sentences or is wiped out by them. The second time, concentrate on the camerawork — for virtually the entire film is a single, 87-min. Steadicam shot! It's perhaps the most breathtaking movie stunt ever attempted, and Sokurov aces it with the speed, grace and impossible equilibrium of the young Jackie Chan. What film could be more astonishing than Russian Ark? Only The Making of...