My first day in Van proper and what's playing on Granville street? Russian Ark, thank you very much. Did I say I love this city?

I must control my excitement and attempt to write something worthy of this film.


To say that this is a technical marvel is an understatement. I kept thinking to myself-"What would Pudovkin make of this? No editing!!!"
Kubrick could never make a film like this. That's not to say he wouldn't admire it- I think he wouldn't be satisfied with one take. This is the first movie where looking at the camera was embraced by a director- notice how many actors look at the camera-it's like they're looking at YOU- in this gorgeous setting. Save those costumes, Alex- you could do a remake of Gance's Austerlitz with ease. Might as well save those extras, come to think of it. A Napoleon film for the ages is ready Mr. Sokurov. Have you seen the script for Stanley's 1968 attempt? You could be my new savior, comrade.

The film is an art attack. Were those actual Caravaggios? The man in black was like a sinister Peter O'Toole. His scene with the blind woman was mysteriously poetic.

I love period films, but this cannot be classified as a period film due to the dips in time/reference. I don't know what you would classify this. Actually I do: GROUNDBREAKING MASTERPIECE

I can in all confidence say that you won't see a better film released this year.

RUSSIAN ARK is astounding art.