Curious what any of you think of either of the sci-fi Solaris films?
Solaris 2002 - Directed by Steven Soderbergh, staring George Clooney
Solaris 1976 - Russian film
This was my review of the 2002 film. What did you think?
Solaris 2002
9/10
Quote:
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A troubled psychologist is sent to investigate the crew of an isolated research station orbiting a bizarre planet.
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What's your EQ (Emotional Intelligence Quotient)? Do you like emotionally visceral films? If it's high for either of these, I think you'll love this film. This is sci-fi that doesn't include exploding spaceships; rather exploring the nature of humanity, but on a very personal level.
It's rich in mood & atmosphere, with the music & Steven Soderbergh's direction tightly woven. It hit me like a ton of bricks when I first saw it. It's not a tricky or intellectually taxing film, it's experiential & visceral in a high-EQ-level sort of way.
If you see it, don't invest yourself into how the film is going to end. It's not that kind of film. The ending is completely arbitrary. You don't want to spend your time on a roller coaster wondering how it's going to end. Likewise, the ending has nothing to do with the impact & enjoyment of the film; it's the experience of the journey... I think it spotlights that our understanding & response to life is what matters.
Seems there's a rather large love-it or hate-it divide on this film. In my opinion, it has to do with the viewer's focus. Brings to mind, early in the film, at a cocktail party, the main character (Clooney) & the beautiful Rheya (Natascha McElhone) are exchanging interested glances from across the room. When he finally approaches her, just as he begins to speak, she cuts him off & says, "Don't blow it." That's what the film is about, getting it right.