Solaris

With this loose adaptation of Stanisław Lem’s literary masterpiece, Andrei Tarkovsky makes his first foray into the realm of science fiction, and he does so with his own inimitable style that transcends the genre. The dilation of the temporal dimension, the slow unfolding of the story to the poignant notes of Bach (adapted by Eduard Artemyev), the importance bestowed to glances and silences – all these elements coalesce into a kind of hypnotic flow, allowing the best possible portrayal of the mystery of the sentient ocean whose magnetic dance seems intrinsically connected to the twists and turns of our consciousness.

Rich in symbolism and melancholy, “Solaris” is an intimist work imbued with a strong sense of wistfulness and nostalgia. From this point of view, the constant appeal to nature effectively serves as a stark contrast to the aseptic, claustrophobic interiors of the orbiting station, producing sometimes heartrending effects.

Psychological themes abound (guilt, regret, and grief exacerbated by the return of ghosts from the past), along with philosophical-metaphysical concepts (the role of man in the universe, the meaning of existence), all of which are unfailingly addressed with discretion and elegance.

Perfect for those who appreciate the poetry and lyricism of an exceedingly refined “film d’auteur”.