The Most Wonderful Documentary That I Have Seen in Decades

August 28, 2016

Last night I watched filmmaker Nina Zaretskaya's nearly 2 hour DVD documentary “Russia! The Drama of Art in Twelve Episodes“ (2007).

The documentary not only focuses on the History of Russian Art but closely follows, as well as explains, Guggenheim's amazing exhibition Russia! (September 16, 2005 - January 11, 2006), at which Putin attended the opening. He makes an appearance in the film. I had no idea how really short he is. My smart phone says he is 5"7" — coincidentally the same height as Napoleon.

I cannot remember having EVER enjoyed ANY documentary on art as much as this one. I watched it on my PC which has two wonderful speakers attached.

After one hour, I hit the pause button, heated up my homemade split pea soup, served with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream on top. Confession: I was too lazy to chop onions to add.

I brought the soup back to my desk and had my supper as I watched the second half of the film.

It is absolutely a work of genius. I found it akin to taking an introductory semester on the History of Russian Art, one of orgasmic amplitude.

And to think that Zaretskya wrote, directed, as well as produced this documentary.

By Edward Rubin,
Writer, critic, curator,
Associate Editor

Artes Magazine
https://artesmagazine.com/