Marmite (Solaris [2002] (DVD))

Member Name: Fennesz

Product:	Solaris [2002] (DVD)
Date:	19/01/09 (57 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Mesmerising. Great visual and aural artistry.

Disadvantages: Sloooow. Soppy. Depressing for some.

When I first heard about Solaris I was fairly sure I wouldn't like it. It is based on Stanisław Lem's book of the same name which had already spawned a cult-classic film. The reviews, and even the opinion of the aforementioned author, all pointed to bad things. Me being me though, I rooted for the underdog and bought it anyway having never seen nor heard of the other versions. I was pleasantly surprised!

First things first, I can completely understand why many people would loathe this. It is pretentious, artsy, slow and has an inconclusive ending. Am I a masochist? Maybe.

Story: Solaris is set mostly on a space station over the mysterious glowing planet of the films title. Recently estranged Chris Kelvin is sent to discover why the crew has left an unsettling video message and soon finds most of them are either gone or severely disturbed. It isn't long before his dead wife is appearing on board as if she was never dead, and what follows is his struggle with what is happening and the conflict of feelings in dealing with a resurrected wife that surely can't be real.

The story cuts back and forth between stylistic snippets of the couples life together and the situation on Solaris, letting us get acquainted with their feelings as the situation escalates. This isn't sci-fi, I would reluctantly call it a psychological love story. It also has no happy romcom elements. Solaris is pretty depressing, but engrossing.

Cast: George Clooney Plays against type as a somber, reflective astronaut. I really liked him here and have to give him respect for reigning his ego in. Natascha McElhone as wifey Rheya was about perfect for the role. She has a majestic, intelligent, amazonian quality that really works with the atmosphere.

Score: Whoa! Amazing soundtrack. Completely unlike any other, consisting of mostly mysterious echoing steel drums.

Overall: Rent or watch it on TV. It's a love it or hate it thing.

Summary: Slow burning but intoxicating gem.