Keswick Film Festival

Synopsis

Sokurov was allowed to film for a mere 4 hours in the Hermitage Museum and this remarkable film was shot in one continuous take. This is a quite astonishing feat as the film is far removed from a mere tour guide. As we move through the Hermitage we come across scenes from Russian history over the last 200 years. The choreography required from the hundreds of extras is mind-boggling. The camera wanders through the gallery, swishes us through the crowds, transports us up staircases into rooms full of people and takes us onto the dance floor for the Grande finale. A beautiful, original and unique film that is a glorious experience.

Winner Toronto International Film Festival Visions Award 2002