Confession (1998) *

Another one of Alexandre Sokourov's insomnia-curing masterworks. While not nearly as accomplished as his earlier Mother And Son, it still manages to bore and amaze at the same time. It bores, because absolutely nothing of even the slightest dramatic interest happens for more than four hours. But it also amazes, because those viewers who will allow their eyes to be wired open, Clockwork Orange-style, will discover unforgettable, profoundly moving and absolutely unique images of Russian sailors washing their clothes, cleaning the decks, reading and talking. The sheer contrast between the banality of the subject matter and the artistry of the execution, is mind-boggling.