Customer Reviews

Solaris [2003] [DVD]

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(10)
1 star:		(31)

 

 

Beautifilly shot and acted. Creates a great atmosphere and explores some profound philosophical isssues too. This is not a fast paced action movie (and it's all the better for it). An attention span of more than 5 minutes will be required. Those requiring action, special effects and big explosions will be dissapointed. This might explain some of the negative reviews of the movie! I was genuinely moved by this film and and watched it straight through again the same day (enjoyed even more the 2nd time too).

I have not seen the original, Russion 1972 version, but if it is better than this then I look forward to viewing it.

If you're not particularly a fan of science fiction, don't be put off seeing this film. The fact that this masterpiece is set in space simply adds visual interest to a timeless story about love and loss and reconciliation. George Clooney is simply superb and Natascha McElhone is a radiantly beautiful choice as his is-she-or-isn't-she partner. With haunting music permeating the intriguing plot, and delicately lit and moody camerawork giving subtle clues to the storyline, Solaris is mysterious, gripping, charming and dreamy. It is also ultimately philosophical, leaving it up to you to decide what has happened as the final credits roll. Every so often it really is good to see a film that entertains while also respecting the viewer's intelligence. This surely belongs in the Top 100 movies of all time, and the soundtrack is worthy of any music collection.

While Solaris is inevitably labelled Sci-Fi its core themes are distinctly human. Loss, regret and the realization that memory tends to simplify events, people and places. While the original film allows the viewer to muse on the overall, Soderbergh's take focuses on the main protagonist's (Clooney) experience with the strange 'planet'. With only a standard 90 minutes to play with the director has done a good job of explaining the power Solaris wields without having to constantly remind us with new and more bizarre consequences (and special effects).

The visuals sway from the ethereal (Solaris), austere (Earth) and utilitarian (Space Station). On the commentary track, Soderbergh tells us he wanted Solaris to have a 'synaptic' quality to it and the effect is beautiful. Cliff Martinez's score, too, will follow you around for months.

As for the cast, Clooney is excellent as ever. While his performance doesn't require histrionics he makes believable a shrink thrown into a situation where his vocational skills are rendered useless by minds becoming matter. Natascha McElhone is charged with an incredibly difficult role. Her character on Earth is confident, sexy, playful, remote and ultimately suicidal; on Solaris she has to play whatever Clooney's character has in mind...hard work, but admirably done. It's unfortunate that in one weak scene of un-necessary exposition the focus is on McElhone but it's a fault of the screen-writer, not her. Jeremy Davies' Snow is perhaps the character that deserved more attention than was given. Considering his unique 'situation' it would have been worth an extra half hour to explore it. Viola Davis is okay but ultimately pointless. The removal of her character wouldn't have affected the film in anyway and her presence really only fills an authority vacuum on the station.

It's good to see adult themes being explored in the Sci-Fi genre and being embraced by Hollywood heavyweights....and not a LaZer BeAm in sight. Obviously this film won't appeal to the 'action' based wing of Sci-Fi fans and the polarity of opinions shown here is evidence of this. But as a serious slice of "what if", Solaris rewards attention and multiple viewings.

Having known about the bad critical review of this movie I was hesitant to rent it but it was suprisingly better than expected and I did not reach for the fast forward button at all which says a lot. Do not expect a sci fi action flick. This is a love story with psychological twists and turns which may leave you confused about what is happening but with this movie that is a novelty and not something bad and definately intended by the director so that the viewer is in the same position as the characters. Although the movie is set mostly in the interior of the space station, the set is very well made and the photography excellent and I was not left groaning at anything fake looking. A wonderful performance by the beautiful Natascha McElhone and indeed by Clooney which gave the film a calm and relaxing dreamlike mood. The ending is not suprising but probably the best choice. I cannot comment whether it was true to the original as I have not seen it but look forward to.

I've seen the original, read the book, and now I come to this. I don't like to think of it as a remake though; it's a very different film from its predecessor, instead I like to think of it as simply an alternate version. People have criticised it for the fact (or at least it would seem for the fact) that it's not identical to the original in every way shape and form except for the actors. But I wouldn't want it to be the same! It's an intriguing shift of focus towards the close relationship between Chris and his wife, and the gradual realizations that spring up through the film. The film boasts some beautiful visuals, and an incredible score from acclaimed composer Cliff Martinez that defies sci-fi tradition by offering a far more ambient soundtrack than the cash-in-action films Hollywood pumps out so merrily. If you're looking for a Star Wars clone or anything other than a seductive and thought provoking experience then look elsewhere. If you're looking for something different, and want a film that's food for thought then look no further, it's here. If you watch this, find you enjoy it, and have not seen the original then I suggest you check that out as well - it's a masterpiece, and is well worth a watch.

It should be noted that this film is far from your average Sci-Fi, so in that respect if your a Sci-Fi fan you will not get what you expect & will prehaps be dissappointed.

I'm not a Steven Soderberg fan, espically when i look at oceans 11 and 12, nor am i a George Clooney fan either. This film was different, intriguing and beautiful. It was wonderfully shot, and i was captivated by the cuts, and particualrly aware of how awesome the sound was.
Natascha McElhone who has never really made an impression on me that much before, she was always that woman in Ronin in my mind but even she really grabbed me in this, and felt i really saw the beauty that george's character initial saw.

It is a thought provoking film about life and people, with a sci-fi back drop instead of a sci-fi plot. It was really an unexpected suprise, and a pleasent one at that.

I don't often write reviews, but after seeing the disparaging 'review' from the 'sci-fi fan' I had to wade in and give my two pennies worth.

I admit to not having seen the original... yet... but this film is, in my humblest opinion, sublime. Maybe you either get it or you don't... I would count myself amongst those that get it, but have yet to really fathom it. It delves into the psychology of the story rather than in the science fiction of the setting itself, which I love. The conflict in the characters up to the final acceptance of Clooney's character builds and culminates perfectly. And helped along by the amazing, subtle soundtrack it really is a firm favourite of mine.

Also, forget that this was produced by James Cameron... if you're expecting The Abyss or Aliens you're going to be as disappointed as the sci-fi fan! However, if you're after an intelligent, thought provoking and beautiful film in a science fiction setting then it's perfect for you!

This is an excellent film, but on watching the DVD I was immediately putin the wrong frame of mind for such a laid back movie.
The reason? TEN MINUTES of unskippable trailers for dreadful films and copyrightwarnings before the first menu is reached. Totally unacceptable for apurchased DVD.

Perfect filming, acting & music in this stylish, mesmerisingly surreal & moving watch. Quite simply one of my favourite movies of all time.

Crack open a bottle of wine, dim the lights, turn up the sound, and prepare to be transported to a place of beautiful imagery. The soundtrack is soooo relaxing.
In this fast paced world that we live in, i can see why so many people find this mind-numbingly boring. However, i love it.
A modern masterpiece, in a similar vein to 'The thin red line' (another slow burner with a beautiful score). Did i mention the amazing soundtrack?