1220. Mat i syn

Mat i syn
Mother and Son
1997
Directed by Alexander Sokurov

Now that we've seen a film about a grieving family recovering from the loss of their son, I thought we try out the inverse of that. Everybody still have their tissues handy? 

Basically, the son takes care of his dying mother, as she clearly suffers from a great deal of pain. The son takes the mother on a long journey through the countryside before their inevitable parting. 

Well, this film isn't exactly chock-full of long meaningful conversations about death, but a lot is communicated in the dreamlike visuals and silent interactions between the characters. Of course, that doesn't mean that there aren't many dull stretches throughout that had me watching the clock, but at least it's a fairly short movie.

Obviously not something I would watch to cheer me up after a long day, but as far as weird experimental Russian movies go, I've seen worse.

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

Nick Cave wrote a review for this film. It was titled "I wept and wept, from start to finish." 

In order to achieve the strange look of the film, Sokurov used special lenses, painted glass, and distorting mirrors. 

1119. Russian Ark

Russian Ark
2002
Directed by Alexander 

So before we begin discussing the movie that I am sure is on everybody's mind, Russian Ark, here's some 1001-related news. According to the Forbidden Planet site, we are due for a new edition of the 1001 movie list on October 4. The cover features Joker (ugh), and the site says the new edition includes Parasite, Little Women, For Sama, and The Lighthouse. Anybody have any guesses about what else will be included, or what might be getting the boot? Personally, I think they will probably add Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Jojo Rabbit, and Midsommar.

Russian Ark fans, I thank you for your patience. An unnamed narrator wanders through the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg, and encounters various characters in Russian history do things like look for the bathroom. The highlight of the film is definitely the ballroom sequence. The dance is modeled after the final ball held in Tsarist Russian in 1913 and the visuals are stunning. 

Much like the previous 1001 movie I watched on the List, The Adventures of Prince Achmed, this is more of an astounding technical achievement than a compelling piece of escapism. The entire film was shot in one take, and they apparently failed three times before getting it right. 

So that aspect was interesting, and it was fun recognizing historical characters. But the novelty of the concept didn't keep me enthralled for the entire runtime.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

The production only had one day to shoot the entire film.

Shot at the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg.