It's mind-boggling how they could achieve without making a cut; the timing, the precision, the preparations with the enormous number of people involved. Sure Russian Ark has its place in film history (see directorial indulgences), but I don't like cinema to be a guinness book of records. It not great film because it's a great achievement. Fitzcarraldo is one of my favorite film, it's famous because it the film where Herzogs pulls a real ship over a mountain. It's a great achievement sure, but it's also a great film. It's great because Herzogs efforts also mirrors the main character's efforts, and it works on deeper levels compared to the achievements of Russian Ark.
Nonetheless, Russian Ark is very beautiful to look at and fascinating for what it is.
Nonetheless, Russian Ark is very beautiful to look at and fascinating for what it is.