Don't suffer through this just because it's supposed to be great, or because it's Tarkovsky. Some imagery is good, and personally, I like the soviet sci-fi atmosphere, but it's not worth it. The pacing is terrible, and a lot of directorial and editing choices are questionable at best.
If you weren't going to watch this movie to flex on your movie buff pals that you are familiar with Tarkovsky's work, if you wanted to experience a true sci-fi masterpiece - read the book instead. Arguably, the book is also slow sometimes, but the story is presented in a much better way overall.
Immediately putting this on the rewatch list. I recognize that there’s a lot here to appreciate but I wasn’t fully able to on this first viewing. It felt very hypnotic and I almost fell asleep after the first 45 minutes, so I want to try again in a while.
Well, that was...definitely something. Certainly not 3 hours worth of something, but it was something. A potent over-the-counter sleep aid, at the very least.
It’s remarkable to think of the stakes: the astronauts go to Solaris to observe what’s there, only to take a trip to the more distant place: within themselves. An amazing journey that Tarkovsky invites us to take as we watch.
WHY do people compare this movie with 2001: A space Odyssey? I understand that the movies have common themes: space, mystery, aliens, year of release, a relatively slow pace and great cinematography, but they have a very different inner core.
The story and implications they carry are very different. 2001 caries a very strong message and meaning that Kubrick purposely transfers, while Tarkovsky is purposely vague with Solaris, so (amateur) film critics can attach many romantic views and interpretations that they empathize with.
While 2001 is about human evolution and the struggles that lay ahead for humanity as a whole, Solaris is (as far as I can interpret) about humans struggling with reality.
I tried to watch it two times and fell asleep each time. I know there is great substance here but it moves way too slow and mysteriously for me. I'll try a third time (with lots more coffee) because I know it's concept is fantastic.
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Comments 1 - 15 of 26
Skyscore
http://www.afisha.ru/movie/170975/review/146624/daisyaday
http://www.hulu.com/watch/247370george4mon
i have been putting this off for a while and i didn't like itIndianaJones
Could've been a twilight episode. Liked the concept, but I think a lot of other shows have done this better.phantometal
what happened in the end ? whats with that island and water coming form the ceiling ?CHE6yp
Read the book instead.Don't suffer through this just because it's supposed to be great, or because it's Tarkovsky. Some imagery is good, and personally, I like the soviet sci-fi atmosphere, but it's not worth it. The pacing is terrible, and a lot of directorial and editing choices are questionable at best.
If you weren't going to watch this movie to flex on your movie buff pals that you are familiar with Tarkovsky's work, if you wanted to experience a true sci-fi masterpiece - read the book instead. Arguably, the book is also slow sometimes, but the story is presented in a much better way overall.
AECH
Immediately putting this on the rewatch list. I recognize that there’s a lot here to appreciate but I wasn’t fully able to on this first viewing. It felt very hypnotic and I almost fell asleep after the first 45 minutes, so I want to try again in a while.KuroSawWhat
Well, that was...definitely something. Certainly not 3 hours worth of something, but it was something. A potent over-the-counter sleep aid, at the very least.CSSCHNEIDER
Happy I finally got to see it, and glad I waited to see a 35mm print, but ultimately it wasn't for me.dAJaro
I really want to see it again.Very good from beginning to end.
Andrewski
It’s remarkable to think of the stakes: the astronauts go to Solaris to observe what’s there, only to take a trip to the more distant place: within themselves. An amazing journey that Tarkovsky invites us to take as we watch.mfmopdenkamp
WHY do people compare this movie with 2001: A space Odyssey? I understand that the movies have common themes: space, mystery, aliens, year of release, a relatively slow pace and great cinematography, but they have a very different inner core.The story and implications they carry are very different. 2001 caries a very strong message and meaning that Kubrick purposely transfers, while Tarkovsky is purposely vague with Solaris, so (amateur) film critics can attach many romantic views and interpretations that they empathize with.
While 2001 is about human evolution and the struggles that lay ahead for humanity as a whole, Solaris is (as far as I can interpret) about humans struggling with reality.
Cassiodoro
We love our conscience or we protect it from ourselves?ClassicLady
I tried to watch it two times and fell asleep each time. I know there is great substance here but it moves way too slow and mysteriously for me. I'll try a third time (with lots more coffee) because I know it's concept is fantastic.VVKT
Incredible movie. It's at the same level of "2001: a space odyssey" in my opinion.Showing items 1 – 15 of 26