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| Banionis and Bondarchuk give wonderful performances. |
Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky
Written by Fridrikh Gorenshteyn and Andrei Tarkovsky (from the novel)
Starring Donatas Banionis, Natalya Bondarchuk and Jüri Järvet
Plot Summary: A planet's advanced intelligence causes a psychologist (Banionis) and his crew to have hallucinations on a space station.
Significance: Being one of Tarkovsky's most famous films, it was featured in the latest Sight and Sound Poll (#154 in the critics poll and #225 in the directors one). It also won the FIPRESCI Prize and Grand Prize of the Jury awards at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for the Palme d'Or. The film even received a Best Feature nomination at the Chicago International Film Festival.
Thoughts: Tarkovsky's sci-fi tale is his typical dreamlike fare. It takes its time, which doesn't hurt with a psychological thriller. As fantasy and reality intertwine, the film becomes very obtuse, but the atmosphere and performances make the challenge most welcome. Banionis gives an effective, reserved performance as Kris, a man whose mind is altered in space. His illusory wife is played to devastating perfection by Natalya Bondarchuk. In addition, the sets are fantastic, as is the framing of cinematographer Vadim Yusov. Tarkovsky can be quite dense, though I haven't disliked any of the four films I've seen. If you want an engaging sci-fi film, I'd suggest this one. (Note: I also watched Steven Soderbergh's 2002 version, and I prefer Tarkovsky's take on the material.)
Rating: ****
This is the fourth film in my 2014 Blind Spot Series, as first started by Ryan McNeil.
This is my preferred Solaris as well. It's an incredible film. I'm also fascinated by the idea that this is considered lesser Tarkovsky and that he himself hated this movie. I've only seen two of his films (this and Ivan's Childhood) and loved them both, so I'm really excited about digging into his filmography even more. Nice write up!
ReplyDeleteThanks man! I'm surprised he hated it. I've only seen this, Andrei Rublev, Stalker and The Sacrifice, so I've got a few more left.
DeleteThis was a major discovery for me a few years ago as I became very spooked by the film for years. It still haunts me. Much more than Soderbergh's version.
ReplyDeleteYeah, this version is way more haunting. I love it!
DeleteSolaris is definitely not for everyone, several bloggers I know said they were frustrated by the pacing. I was impressed and got caught up in that otherworldly atmosphere Tarkovsky created. Glad you liked it too!
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts exactly. I loved the atmosphere, and I don't mind being challenged by a film.
DeleteWait, you mean I'm not the only one who got so frustrated by the tediously slow pacing and preferred the Clooney version?
DeleteI'd say a fair amount of people probably prefer the Clooney version. I prefer Tarkovsky's version, though.
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