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Russian Ark -- the Ultimate Seamless Cinematic Feat

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This was not really a film. It had no real plot. It was a brilliantly conceptualized dream. It moved as a dream from beginning to end. Shot from first person, it had all the pre-dawn, dreamy elements that we all have: a stranger that is our friend, endless travel from room to room, characters that reappear briefly, unexplained shifts of time periods, people who see you and interact, people who don't see or hear you at all, and an ending that is a dreamy vision itself.
This film was done to show it could be done. It is the ultimate exercise in planning, direction, and camera work.
Is it truly seamless? Maybe, I spotted two possible places that could have been edited (and one furtive glance at the camera). If it were a mere three takes--it would still be an astounding feat.
As for the French diplomat, he was a necessity. He was the Hermitage's Virgil leading a bewildered Dante through the inferno.
This film is craft. It should be enjoyed as such.

Follow Ups:

You got it right. Now search for the previous commentaries. nt - clarkjohnsen 11:34:18 09/12/03 (6)
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- Have you been to Hermitage? (nt) - Victor Khomenko 12:27:31 09/12/03 (5)
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  - Regrettably, no. But I *am* a hermit. nt - clarkjohnsen 07:21:05 09/13/03 (0)
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  - It's on my short list . . . . - albee33 13:23:03 09/12/03 (3)
    that place must be ENORMOUS.
    - "that place must be ENORMOUS" No... it's slightly bigger - Victor Khomenko 14:24:51 09/12/03 (2)
      Of course the story goes that at least 25% of the paintings have been replaced by copies - with originals now decorating the Spanish villa's of the newly rich Russians.
      - Just like the museum in Baghdad! nt - clarkjohnsen 07:21:55 09/13/03 (1)
        
        In Reply to: "that place must be ENORMOUS" No... it's slightly bigger posted by Victor Khomenko on September 12, 2003 at 14:24:51:
        
        w
        
        I understand the Redecoration Committee found the inventory short a few items. n - albee33 09:41:57 09/13/03 (0)
        
        In Reply to: Just like the museum in Baghdad! nt posted by clarkjohnsen on September 13, 2003 at 07:21:55:
        
        n

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