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Andrei Tarkovsky’s Solaris, based on Stanisław Lem's 1961 novel of the same name, tells the story of Kris Kelvin (Donatas Banionis), a psychologist who is sent to a space station orbiting the planet Solaris in order to better understand and evaluate the seemingly strange behavior of its resident scientists. Upon his arrival, Kelvin learns that Dr. Gibarian (Sos Sargsyan), one of the stationed scientists and a longtime friend, has killed himself and left behind a cryptic video in which he attempts to explain the bizarre goings-on. But Kelvin is not prepared for the unnerving world he finds—nor the unexpected people he meets. Tarkovsky set out to marry the psychological depth you’d typically find in a drama with the hypnotic visuals of a traditional sci-fi flick, creating a story that is as emotionally absorbing as it is aesthetically engrossing. A 2002 remake of Solaris, directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring George Clooney, didn’t quite reach the same landmark status as Tarkovsky’s cerebral original, though it received some impressive critical acclaim. BBC film reviewer Nev Pierce <anchor>called it</anchor> “one of the finest science fiction films since 2001: A Space Odyssey.”
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24 September 2014

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Reviewer's Rating 4 out of 5   User Rating 4 out of 5Solaris (2003)Reviewed by Nev Pierce

Updated 24 February 200312

"Solaris" is not what it appears.

The suits at 20th Century Fox must have been in heaven when they landed a science fiction flick from the guys behind "Ocean's Eleven" and "The Terminator" - box office gold, surely?

Poor mugs. The first preview screening would have been a rude crash-landing. For whatever else "Solaris" is - thoughtful, moving, intelligent - box-office friendly it isn't.

Soul-searching existentialist angst, anyone? A meditation on loss and mourning? Hello, anyone out there?

Really, the suits should have known better. For while James Cameron may be involved as producer, this is very much a Steven Soderbergh movie. And Soderbergh movies are never ordinary.

Based on the novel by Stanislaw Lem ( already filmed by Andrei Tarkovsky in 1972), "Solaris" stars George Clooney as Chris Kelvin, a psychologist sent to investigate mysterious events on Prometheus, a space station orbiting the eponymous planet.

Already scarred by death - he's haunted by memories of his late wife (the suitably otherworldly Natascha McElhone) - Kelvin arrives to find a friend dead and two bemused crew members who won't cooperate. Soon, the mystery envelopes him, too.

Tense and stately, "Solaris" explores Big Ideas: fate, faith, predestination, memory, love, God, and the afterlife.

Anchoring the metaphysical musing is Clooney, who zings with his usual charisma in flashback, but subdues his sparkle to excel as the hollowed out, traumatised widower, gutted by grief.

It's an excellent performance, providing the heart to match Soderbergh's brain.

The director - who also wrote, shot, and cut the movie - collates everything with typical finesse.

True, if you go looking for sci-fi thrills, you'll be disappointed. This requires patience and a good deal more empathy than " T2".

But place yourself in the action and you'll discover one of the finest science fiction films since " 2001: A Space Odyssey".

Much like the planet itself, "Solaris" relies on what you bring to it.

End Credits

Length: 98 minutes

Cinema: 28 February 2003

Country: USA

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