Review of Solaris (2002) by Gavin S — 03 Nov 2013

This is the thinking person's sci-fi, which is really what all good sci-fi should be. Not a remake of the Tarkovsky classic, but another interpretation of the book; Soderbergh does a fantastic job of building atmosphere slowly, but not too slow as to lose the viewer.

We can figure out what is going on before we're told, but that doesn't take away from what's happening on screen at all. In fact, it then raises all the philosophical and metaphysical, moral questions one must ask.

When a movie makes you think this much about ideas, I always find that to be a great sign. I definitely want to see the original now, but I think this stands as a very interesting piece on it's own merits.

Well worth a watch if you like topics like life/death/afterlife, love, what you would do for one more chance, non-human intelligence, and so forth. I think the focus on Chris (Clooney) and his love for his wife (McElhone) is a great addition to the plot and really acts as a cornerstone, along with Solaris (the planet) through which to examine the deep philosophical ideas.

Worth watching for sure.