Review of Solaris (2002) by Mike S — 06 Apr 2011

I detected a lot of science fiction influences in this strange but compelling movie. The visual style, the pacing, some elements of the plot, and even the music at times were reminiscent of 2001: A Space Odyssey. The space station design (dark and industrial) and sometimes the mood (especially the lighting) of the film reminded me of Alien. The scenes on Earth brought to mind Blade Runner, with the constant rain and the near-future design of the sets and props. Finally (for me), the whole idea of the creatures born from our subconscious was similar to the premise of Forbidden Planet. There are probably other influences from films I haven't seen!

None of that is to say that Solaris is derivative or just a copy of things that have been seen before. It takes these diverse influences and creates something wholly unique. Where 2001 was a journey to the farthest reaches of the galaxy, Solaris seemed to be a journey to the deepest parts of the psyche, questioning what it means to be human and whether what we experience is an external reality or a construct of our sometimes faulty memories and expectations. I think one of the messages of Solaris is that some things cannot be understood or solved, they can only be experienced. The movie itself is like that. It won't be to everyone's taste, but I liked it.