Solaris (1972)
Moderate Themes and Violence
Solaris is a love story rich with emotion and mystery, set within a science fiction framework. The story, which takes place sometime in the future, opens as Dr. Chris Kelvin is asked to investigate the unexplained behavior of a small group of scientists aboard the space station Prometheus, who have cut off all communication with Earth. Kelvin undertakes the journey after watching a communiqué from his close friend Gibarian, the mission’s commander, who seeks Kelvin’s help aboard the Prometheus for reasons Gibarian is unwilling - or unable - to explain. Keenly aware that his opinion will decide the fate of the orbital station, Kelvin is shocked by what he finds upon his arrival: Gibarian has committed suicide and the two remaining scientists are exhibiting signs of extreme stress and paranoia, seemingly caused by the results of their examination of the planet Solaris. Kelvin, too, becomes entrapped in the unique world’s mysteries. Solaris, somehow, presents him with a second chance at love - to change the course of a past relationship that has caused him overwhelming guilt and remorse. But can he really revisit and alter the past? Or is he fated to repeat its mistakes? Solaris is a visually hypnotic, deeply affecting story of conscience, love, and reconciliation. Arguably the most successful attempt to create an art house science fiction film, Solaris won Grand Pize at the Cannes film Festival in 1972 and remains the best known effort by acclaimed director Andrei Tarkovsky (The Mirror, Stalker). With overlapping memories, fantasies, and fantastic visuals it is not surprising that Solaris is considered one the most important films ever produced in the science fiction genre.
| Status: | Normal |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 180mins |
| Origin: | RUSSIAN FEDERATION |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 Enhanced |
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Member Reviews (15)
15 Member
Reviews
Josh
says
I will admit, I'm not hugely impressed with the few Tarkovsky films that I've seen, but as a film aficionado I'm delighted to say that this is very atmospheric and thought provoking. Definitely deserving of a title like 'The Soviet Union's response to 2001: A Space Odyssey'. Not for the casual viewer, but a true cinema lover should definitely take a look.
Viewer
says
A classic of Soviet cinema, this is a film for all those who enjoy 'soft' science fiction. Set entirely in outer space, this is a film which sees a set of cosmonauts exposed to various delusions and their capacity to deal with the problem of their own psyches gone mad. A fairly slow film for those who like modern special effects, this is a film as much in the genre of drama as science fiction.
William H.
says
yoo dis movie is da bomb
G P.
says
outstanding, ponderous, challenging, asking us to consider the moral vs scientific of contact.... also excellent interview with lead actress
krzystoff
says
Tarkovsky's Solyaris is philosophically focussed on the nature of human existence and where we may end up, while many have compared it to Stanley Kubrick's 2001, which is far more introspective and focuses primarily on humanity's origins. In spite of the intriguing subject matter, both films evoke a simlarly stilted, slow tempo.
The dialogue (from Stanislaw Lem's novel) and the performances convincing, but leave very little character development -- probably by design. *(note: the english-dubbed soundtrack on this release switches randomly and frequently from russian-to-english, for no clear reason, it's best to use the russian audio with subtitles)
The first quarter is set in 1970's Russia and Tokyo, only the cars look out of place in this future. The film then switches to trademark cardboard sets for the remainder.
Smooth cinematography, restrained cut-scenes (bearing in mind the absence of visual effects in the 70s), and stylish composition worthy of Godrey Reggio throughout make up to some degree for the deficiencies.
The editing is one area most left wanting -- Solyaris being three hours and stands as the only DVD I've seen with an intermission!
Judy F.
says
Fascinating but slow. The American version is no more than a remake of the film and neither gets across the book's core idea. Best to read the book first.
Andris D.
says
A classic phychological sci-fi!
Matt T.
says
Possibly inspired by Kubrick's 2001, this is a love story cloaked in a sci-fi plot. Epic in the true sense of the word, a fascinating exploration of reality & creations of the mind, which poses lots of questions & refuses to answer them. Extremely languid in pace, this will test the patience of those brought up on a diet of 90 minutes sci-fi action flicks.
Michael M.
says
Glad no to live in Russia. They have a different sense of humor from us in the western world.
David P.
says
Fantastic concepts and ideas explored in this story, but slow. If your intersted in history of Sci-fi films then it's great!
Otherwise the more modern US version (starring George Clooney?) is probably more exciting for most viewers(and shorter!)
Dan G.
says
Fasinating film. Definitely the kind of film some will hate/love. If your a casual film watcher, I would recommend you watch Steven Soderbergh version of Solaris first. I actually prefer Solderbergh's version, I thought it was more haunting.
Nigel W.
says
While 2001: A Space Odyssey largely explored the question of "Where do we come from?", this Russian movie explored the question of "Who are we?". Unfortunately Solaris doesn't quite bring it of in the way 2001 did with its journey. A bit too long, slow and ponderous (and with average special effects)it seems to lack the meditative depth and insight Tarkovsky brought to his later great movie The Mirror.
says
Arunas K.
says
see the recent remake or read the book instead
Ben
says
I'm sorry but who has the time for 2 discs of painfully slow viewing as the Russian cast go through their motions - other than film students? The modern George Clooney version was much more compelling, without sacrificing this interesting and unsettling tale.