Russian Ark (2002)
Russian Ark (2002) [aka Russkiy kovcheg], one of the films highlighted in the last episode of "The Story of Film: An Odyssey", is being shown today on Sky Arts 1 at 10pm
Steve
http://movies.sky.com/russian-ark/review
The main claim to fame of this time-travelling tour of St Petersburg's Hermitage museum is that it takes the form of a 90-minute plus uncut film shot.
However, director Sokurov insists his technical marvel - almost 900 actors, three live orchestras and 22 assistant directors - was "just a tool".
Nevertheless, the viewer is never unaware of the device, which lends a fluidity and seamlessness absent from conventional movies.
A contemporary film-maker finds himself behind the camera as guests arrive at the palace for the last Great Ball in 1913, little knowing their days are numbered.
There he meets an affected French diplomat (Mozgovoy) from the 19th century, who leads him on a haughty tour of the museum's treasures.
Along the way the pair witness disparate scenes, including Peter The Great thrashing his general with a whip, Catherine the Great desperate for the loo and the Tsarist family's last dinner.
Such is the scale of the achievement that you half expect a trip to the Gulag for the actor who fluffs his lines or the extra who glances straight at the camera in minute 95.
There is the odd occasion when it does appear the St Petersburg Amateur Dramatic Society are in on the act, but otherwise the cues and entrances are perfect.
The only problem is the French spy. Quite simply the character - a smug blend of Mick Hucknall and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang's child-catcher - is an irritant.
Spouting opinions and comments such as "mortals should not chase royalty", his most notable feature is a pre-glasnost perm.
It is the stunning snapshots of Tsarist life that are the most illuminating - unwitting victims of the coming revolutionary storm.
Tim Evans