A journey through the Russian Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg where, at the hands of a cynical guide, we are given a full-blooded tour of the history of the city as told in one unbroken 96 minute take. Russian Ark is one of those rare films that creates its own world and writes its own rules while slowly drawing you in. The remarkable (suspicious?) uninterrupted filming concept comes off as a boast or a stunt, and has had major influence on future filmmakers.
*** 1/2 out of ****
