Review of Solaris (2002) by Mikael K — 28 Sep 2009

I'm maybe the only person on this Earth who actually thinks that this Sodembergh adaptation of the Stanislaw Lem novel is superior in comparison to the Tarkovski classic from the 70's. I've seen this countless of times and it has yet to leave me without new ideas and impressions.

"Solaris" is a deeply effective tale of loss, guilt and facing the unknown. Clooney has never been better with Natascha McElhone shining every bit as brightly in a very challenging role. The film is aesthetically whole with amazing cinematography, eerily beautiful music and visionary directing; it challenges, enchants and forces you into thinking. It's not as political as Tarkovski's classic, but it's more relevant on a psychological and philosophical level. It's universal and captures something very unique and essential about what humanity is, about what life is or could be.

Here's an example of how science fiction should be made in my opinion. Reaching for something new while mirroring our very existence. It's just very sad to note that this movie, like so many intelligent, true sci-fi films was a clear financial failure. Have to start hoping for better times, I guess.