Review of Solaris (2002) by Greg T — 30 Mar 2012

Actually really quite remarkable - a remake that follows the path set by the original but still exists as something intriguing and unique. Clooney, on fine troubled form, plays Kelvin, a psychologist called to the outer reaches of space on a mission of mercy to help rescue a space crew who have become enraptured by the mysterious planet Solaris that they have been sent to observe.

Once he joins the crew, Kelvin quickly realises that the planet is reacting to the study, and may well be doing some analysis of its own. As his memories take on a strange and haunting reality it becomes more and more difficult to keep focus on making the voyage home.

Minimalist, hypnotic and disturbing, Soderberg nails the chilly and cerebral atmosphere and the sense of slowly losing grip on reality, and the beats are at first confusing and eventually moving and profoundly disturbing.

A powerful, understated masterpiece.