The Story of Film: An Odyssey (TV Mini Series)

Cinema Today and the Future (2011)

Mark Cousins: Self - Presenter

Quotes 

• Mark Cousins - Presenter : We know something will go wrong, but what? What'll happen next? That's the question the film makers asked, and will always ask.

• Mark Cousins - Presenter : [about Russian Ark, 2002]  Sokurov saw the film as a single last breathe of this civilization. And so, astonishing, he filmed the whole movie in a single take. There hasn't been one cut in the whole film. The shot has traveled 1300 meters, through 33 galleries, filming 867 people; cavaliers, music officials, spies, great balls, and portents of the horrors to come. Over 90 minutes. Sokurov and his team rehearsed for 6 months. Filming took place on the 23rd of December when there are only 4 hours of daylight. This allowed for just 2 takes. Take 1 had to be abandoned after 5 minutes. Then take 2, this one, unfolds. Unbelievable tension. The steadicam is so heavy that the operator almost buckles at the knees in pain.