thedarkknight-99999 I can see why many people compare between Tarkovsky's Solaris and Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. Despite both films have completely different themes, It's so clear that Tarkovsky was inspired by 2001 while making Solaris. But the influences have nothing with neither the themes nor the messages and the philosophy of the movie. Tarkovsky influenced by the style and the technical aspect of 2001: A Space Odyssey; the tone. some of the camera shots, the way of using the imagery (in some cases), and even the production design. With that said, I don't think there should be any comparison between the two films.To be honest, I hate 2001, because I think it tells its relies so heavily on its message that there's almost no story to tell. It keeps repeating its messages, that we have already recognized from the get-go, throughout its running time. Adding insult to injury, it tries to be riveting by showing how wonderful the camera work is,how mesmerizing the cinematography is, how fascinating the production design is, how masterful the editing is, etc. While all these technical points made this movie the most beautiful movie I've ever seen, instead of relying on the technical aspect, I think it should have engaged us with the use of narrative elements, such as a dramatic plot, well-wrought and fleshed-out characters, or in a worst-case scenario, a mysterious event or even character. Fortunately, I think Solaris is way better than 2001. It has a fair share of metaphors, and also has fully-developed characters, a coherent plot, and powerful messages. The result is a movie that has a very comprehensive and engaging story that tugs at your heartstrings. Needless to say, the acting is great, the direction is masterful, and the cinematography and the production design are nothing but art! It's just the slow-pacing that sometimes I felt it wasn't necessary. Specially, before the climax as this should exactly be the time when I should be entirely focused, but I found that I get a little bored.Some may find the messages are presented in a direct way and somehow in your face, but that was completely intended. It's the first Tarkovsky film I watch, but it's obvious that presenting the message in the dialogue is kinda his trademark. The characters don't reveal the message to put an end to the story. instead, they keep involving the viewers with the messages they discover along the movie. Can't wait to watch The Mirror and Stalker!(9/10)

Dalbert Pringle Here's a relevant and true-to-life story that completely validates and justifies my low opinion of 1972's "Solaris".Of course - As we all know - "Solaris" (the film) was adapted to the screen by director, Andre Tarkovsky from Sci-Fi writer, Stanislaw Lem's 1961 novel of the same name.So - As the story goes - After a 6-month collaboration - Lem and Tarkovsky's work together ended in a nasty and bitter conflict over unwarranted changes and additions that Tarkovsky was making to the original story.When interviewed about the split - Lem angrily claimed that Tarkovsky had turned his novel into a flimsy and shallow outer space soap opera."He was moving in the opposite direction from my book!" Lem stated.... In other words - Tarkovsky's film ruined the whole essence and philosophical flow of Lem's book.And, after seeing this grossly over-rated disappointment for myself - I couldn't agree more with Lem in his utter outrage towards Tarkovsky and his precious, little picture.

polarrex-54963 A lovely A Space Odyssey-esque film. Artsy and filled with quiet, comtemplative scenes. It's interesting how the film explored human personality and extraterrestrial communication through the ocean's probing of the scientists' mind and trying to understand them using "guests". The philosophical ramblings seemed out-of-place sometimes. Good cinematography too, there's a bunch of pretty shots and cool visuals. Solaris got me into Tarkovsky's other works.

l_deaking-36814 Before you watch Solaris, make sure you know what you're getting yourself into. I did not find this film particularly entertaining. It wasn't fun to watch. It's more like a moving painting than a normal science-fiction film. Don't expect to be excited and dazzled by great special effects. Don't expect to be sitting on the edge of your seat at any point during this film. If you're looking for a bit of joyful escapism, you'll definitely do well to give this a miss. Forget about Star Wars.Frankly, there are long stretches of this film that are rather boring. I also found much of the acting to be unimpressive. The main character seems to have exactly the same facial expression throughout. It is very hard to actually engage with the characters. I realised towards the end that I simply didn't care about how things were going to turn out for them. I was utterly indifferent to their fate.Despite these drawbacks, there is something strangely captivating and hypnotic about Solaris. It deals with some very interesting philosophical themes such as the nature of love, consciousness, personal identity, and memory. The meaning of life itself is explored. Some of the cinematography is stunning. If you're into that kind of thing, I think this film certainly would benefit from repeated viewings. It stayed in my mind for a long time afterwards, which is always a sign of a good film.This is obviously an example of a film that many people think they 'ought' to watch and enjoy. Just put all of that baggage out of your mind and give it a go. Treat it like an exercise in meditation and contemplation. It will slow you down and put you in a different frame of mind. Don't beat yourself up if you just find it dull. We all have different tastes!