Solaris (2002)

A curious mix of science fiction and metaphysical love story, Solaris centers around Chris Kelvin (George Clooney), a psychologist sent to investigate why a space station orbiting an alien planet has stopped communications. The planet has the power to delve into human psyches and re-create lost loved ones--in Kelvin's case, his dead wife (Natascha McElhone), whom he then wants to bring back to Earth. Director Steven Soderbergh (Traffic, Erin Brockovich) fills almost every shot with faces and bodies, as if to emphasize the human soul rather than outer space as the movie's true subject. Unfortunately, the vagueness of the environment--combined with a script that implies more than it shows--serves to dislocate our ability to engage with the characters, rendering Solaris emotionally inert. Jeremy Davies, as a lingering crew member, brings a hint of humor to the otherwise serious-minded proceedings. --Bret Fetzer Amazon.com

"Who Was Your Visitor?"

"Solaris" is a very good adaptation of the famous Stanislaw Lem novel by the always interesting Steven Soderbergh. The film, while falling into the conventional genre of science fiction, is really more about human interactions and emotions: in other words, it's really a love story. Soderbergh is a very creative man, and I appreciated his approach to the subject matter: technology is ever-present in the film, but is never actually the subject of the film.

George Clooney plays Dr. Chris Kelvin, a psychiatrist who is haunted by the death of Rheya, the one true love of his life. He is sent to a space station circling a planet-like object named Solaris to investigate strange happenings on the station and if possible to rescue the crew. What he finds are the remnants of a crew who are having severe emotional problems, and he soon discovers that the reason is the apparition of relatives and loved ones who are in some cases (like Rheya's) deceased and the accompanying mental and psychological duress these beings put the cast through. It is sometimes difficult to tell what is real and what is not, though subtle cues exist for the acutely aware, most notably the changes of color balance in the film between earth and the station and past and present. The film explores the nature of love and human relationships, and it is important to view Solaris as a character in the film, rather than a planet (it actually isn't a planet, it's a planet-like object with intelligence, as explained by James Cameron): Solaris is the antagonist, in essence. The course of the film skillfully takes the audience through the entire gamut of human emotions, but requires rapt attention to understand what's going on, particularly toward the end of the film.

The cast did a fabulous job in the film: this is definitely the best acting I have ever seen Clooney do, but it is the supporting cast members who were most brilliant. Natascha McElhone as Rheya had the most difficult of the roles in the film requiring enormous emotional changes in exquisitely subtle increments. Jeremy Davies as demented crewman Snow likewise had a challenging role (particularly in the climactic scene) and gave a top-rate performance. The performance that was, to me, the most amazing was Viola Davis as Gordon, a crewmember whose role in the drama is unclear at first, but is revealed layer by emotional layer. Davis is simply amazing, and her performance alone is a more than valid reason for watching the film.

The DVD features many extras including two behind the scenes features which are excellent. The interviews with the actors and crew are very insightful, and Soderbergh in particular is very enlightening. I recommend this film to people who want emotionally intense, cerebral science fiction. It is sometimes slow moving, but always intriguing. October 14, 2008

A Fascinating Take on Lem's Sci-fi Classic

S. Soderbergh's Solaris can barely be called an adaptation of S. Lem's novel, nor can it accurately be called a remake of the 1972 Russian film. However, when viewed without prejudice it is a fantastic film stylistically, as well as in terms of story and character development.

Soderbergh ignores the technical and scientific aspects of Lem's novel and focuses on the human story instead. From the books limited material on the subject he extrapolates the tumultuous love story at the heart of his film. Unfortunately, that means that 'liquid metal' oceans of the novel are left out as well.

In this film the planet Solaris itself plays second fiddle to Clooney's space-faring psychologist, and the question of the planet's possible sentience is overshadowed by the question of what it actually means to be human. The material is still absorbing and adeptly handled, but this reflects Sodenbergh's philosophies, and not necessarily Lem's.

The film pays homage to Kubrick's 2001 by painstakingly recreating his style (some critics may prefer the term plagiarized) including the pervasive atmospheric soundtrack and long periods of silence. This film will not please Sci-Fi action seekers, nor will it please those looking for a faithful adaptation of Lem's text. I'm a huge fan of the book and Solaris is one of my favorite films, so it is possible to enjoy both in their own right.

DVD comes with making-of featurettes and can be played in both widescreen and fullscreen modes. Dolby Digital capable systems will reveal the full glory of the mesmerizing soundtrack. October 1, 2008

Cris, go find out what went wrong.....

I must apologise to all and sundry who just happened to like this film. The Andrei Tarkovsky 1972 original was a good film (albeit waaaaay too long), so it begs the question: Why a remake? Not to bash George Clooney, but this film was entirely mis-cast. The performances were dry and hollow, and all the actors in this film are capable of much better.

Tarkovsky's film has more than just a passing resemblance to "2001, A Space Odyssey", and I believe it to be the Soviet equivalent. The ending, a touching twist on the nature of the alien entity, was all but absent in this version. Some previous reviewers remarked on how boring this film was. I have to agree. The Tarkovsky original is long-winded, but easy to follow. This remake has no substance, though it does attempt to put you on the Space Station, all you feel like doing is setting the alarm clock and have a snooze.

For those contemplating watching this film (maybe because of George Clooney, C'mon, admit it), I recommend seeing the Tarkovsky original. It is a better film. The performances of the Russian actors far outweighs the modern technological updating of the remake. August 18, 2008

the only movie I ever wanted to walk out on

I just didn't get it. Maybe I fell asleep during it and missed something because I didn't get one second of it. snooooooooozer!! August 14, 2008

Quite dull

I couldn't get through this. It's an interesting sci-fi concept movie, but the tale is just not told fast enough, I guess. I got sick of flashbacks to George Clooney's idyllic married life with the clone who haunts him on a spaceship off the planet Solaris. The soundtrack is nicely atmospheric and the photography is great. Just doesn't cut it as a night's viewing pleasure. July 30, 2008

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