Solaris(1972) directed by Andrei Tarkovsky

When Stanley Kubrick made 2001: A Space Odyssey(1968), a revolution started. The film, although very much a classic now, gave birth to contemporary sci-fi cinema. It was an epic masterpiece in every sense. The film contained overwhelming technical achievements including groundbreaking special effects. The film also showed audiences how much depth a vision can have, only to be magnified by George Lucus a decade later. Stanley Kubrick, however, is amongst the greatest and most influential film directors of all time. Kubrick's influence is arguably more international than in North America. It is known for a fact that 2001 had to of made a splash in Russia. This is because legendary Russian filmmaker, Andrei Tarkovsky made a film in slight response to 2001. That film is called Solaris.

After seeing 2001, Tarkovsky was impressed with the film for obvious reasons. However, he was a bit disappointed in the lack of emotions and spirituality within the characters. For anyone who's seen 2001, you probably know what he means. This gave him ideas and vision of his own. It might be hard to believe it considering he might not have ever thought of making Solaris because it's a sci-fi space epic similar to 2001. It's best to consider the two films allies. Now, what is exactly is Solaris about?

Solaris is about a psychologist named Kris Kelvin who is sent on a mission to a space station within the atmosphere of a planet called Solaris. He is sent to investigate the strange phenomenon that has taken over the space station crew. Solaris radiation seems to be the cause. However, it's results are near unfathomable. When Kris arrives, he quickly learns of its effects which includes the death of all but 2 crew members. However, these two are barely sane. Almost instantly, Kris starts to experience the phenomenon himself.

Solaris is a film that brings the audience into the dark recesses of Kris's consciousness. One important aspect that we learn in the beginning of the film is that it's be several years since the death of his wife. We watch Kris reunited with the memory of her. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg for what's to come. More importantly, the questions to come.

Solaris is a film that is much more than a space epic. It's much more than a love story. It's a commentary on the phenomenal aspects of human life. Those aspects we can feel but can't explain. It's the spiritual aspects. While Kris struggles to redefine love, truth, and Humanity, the film prompts the same questions for the audience. The beauty of it, like philosophy itself, is that there is no universal answer. It's all perception. Solaris allows us perceive Kris's perception. It's a film that is very much within itself. It's quite brilliant and in my humble opinion, more important than 2001. However, as I mentioned before, 2001 and Solaris are of relation to one another. They compliment each other.

Solaris is as much of a philosophical masterpiece as it is a work of science fiction. It's out there for any one is willing to loose themselves in a character's consciousness. It's frighteningly beautiful.

A+