Solaris

Starring: George Clooney, Natascha McElhone, Jeremy Davies
Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Science Fiction
2002

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A psychologist (George Clooney) is sent to a space station orbiting a planet called Solaris. Upon arriving there, he discovers that the dead are recreated by the planet for some unknown purpose. In his case, his wife comes back to him. Now, he must decide whether to hold onto her, even though she may not be real, or let go and lose her again.

Review:

Tim: This is a very quiet movie. Let me explain what I mean. Most movies today either have a lot of explosions and gunfire, or lots of crying and debate, etc. This film is very quiet, because nothing much really happens (but thats not necessarily a bad thing). The characters are all in a lonesome space station and as a result, the movie gets a very quiet atmosphere to it. It is vert interesting to see.

Even more interesting is the camerawork. Watch this film carefully. I've never seen movement captured this way before. No movement that begins is ever shown in its entirety. For example, if Clooney is walking down a corridor, you'll never see him get from Point A to Point B. The camera will stop and the next still will be him standing in the room. It is very interesting to watch.

Solaris is definitely not an action film. It is not about action, but about thoughts and feelings. Very few films strive for that kind of picture anymore and as a result, this film is something to see.

On the negative side, not too much happens in this movie. For some period of time that is pleasant and refreshing, but ulitmately you need more plot. The film is interesting in some of the concepts it brings up, like love being able to cross boundaries like death. Ultimately, however, the film should be seen only for the camerawork and interesting work done on the film. Solaris isn't very entertaining and thus, isn't very good. Plus, it has a very strange ending that was confusing and unlikeable. The film is definitely different, though.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: 2001: A Space Odyssey, Traffic, Erin Brockovich, Ocean's Eleven, The Fifth Element, Dragonfly