From what I had heard of this film, I expected only a kind of cinematic stunt: one single take, a follow shot lasting an hour and a half. Instead there is an actual story, a discourse between the Stranger and the floating narrator. I had forgotten the Russians’ ability to make the fantastic seem mundane, creating a mysterious dreamlike environment where no explanations are owed to the audience, freeing the narrative to wander where it will. Though I can see how it might infuriate others, I actually enjoy that style of storytelling. Is the narrator a ghost? A time traveller? Why does the Stranger keep getting chased away by men in white gloves? And where can I buy a coat just like the Stranger’s?

The director describes making the film in a single breath. It is quite an astonishing accomplishment. With only minimal rehearsal, the entire film was shot in a single take. No possibility of reshoots, hundreds of extras, various lighting challenges, and no room for error. I found myself at times thinking to the extras or the cameraman, “Don’t screw up!” But they didn’t. Russian Ark is gorgeous and haunting, a very brave film indeed.

1. Children of Men
2. Stay
3. Pan’s Labyrinth
4. Heavenly Creatures
5. Uzumaki
6. Russian Ark
7. Ghost World
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