Solaris was sold to the public as a Sci-Fi action vehicle. It dealt with big themes, but not big action and people were disappointed. However, this is the perfect example of a slower-paced film that is never boring.
Which is weird, because that's like trying to sell Waiting for Godot as a Rambo style movie. Solaris was always going to be an arthouse movie for an arthouse audience.
@@chaptermasterpedrokantor1623 I know, but if your saw the press at the time, it was pictures of George Clooney with a gun in space. The internet wasn't quite as all-invasive as it is now, and people were duped.
It was mismarketed(🤔) . I appreciated on a third viewing. I was left with a feeling of melancholy. It was "if /is this is what you want...I can approximate " it's horrible when you think about... nothing is making rational sense, then your departed love is there, but she isn't. But you see her, feel her. But she isn't. .....Did he/is He...
The Last Airbender, Cop Out, , & Tooth Fairy were made in 2010; Jack & Jill, Sucker Punch, & Green Lantern 2011; Battleship, Red Dawn(remake), Wrath of the Titans, 2012; Movie 43, R.I.P.D, After Earth, 2013. Broad sweeping statements never age well. Yep. Some bad movies were made post that, but your argument sucks.
@@guyjperson A much larger proportion of utter shyte has been on offer over the last 10 years, than previously. Much of this crap is driven by Activists, rather than creators with any talent. So, decent film nuggets are much harder to come by, certainly from mainstream sources, such as Hollywood.
I've always loved this version of Solaris. It's a great sci fi movie and, although the standard DVD looks great on my TV, it still deserves a proper 4k treatment.
In the book it wasn't God they were contacting but the planet Solaris itself. It was an evolved being that took over the whole sphere to the extent that it could actually steer itself through space. The 'ghosts' were its attempts to make contact with the humans. Great book, great film.
These aspects were also made clear in the Russian film version. I was able to catch that, even fighting through subtitles. The 2002 American version seemed to totally miss those points.
solaris, the book was a failure of communication between humans and alien specie, that made a contact, and neither side couldnt find a common ground to say "hello". i've seen this movie multiple times, possibly nostalgia, coz of the book. and movie pissed me off every time i was watching it for missing Stanislaw Lem's point.
@@travist.7279The Russian version was made under Communist and atheist USSR, so not surprising that they would not want to 'find' God. But I agree that the US version of the film is not portraying God or a god-like entity, either. Without going into the Doctrine of God, if that was intended by anyone, not only did they fail but they also have a very twisted understanding of what God is like.
This version of Solaris is much easier to watch than the Tarkovsky version, since here in the West we are used to Hollywood filmmaking. Tarkovsky was a genius and most if not all of his films are about the human condition. Solaris is no exception.
Videos like this and the comments always give me hope. It's really satisfying to know I'm not the only person in the world who likes both versions of Solaris and appreciates the novel. Soderberg's version wasn't a remake so much as a re-interpretation and included plotlines that were in neither the book or the original movie. It's also a novel that deserves to stay in public awareness as one of those works that asks ''big'' questions without any simple answers and movie adaptations are one way of keeping the discussion alive. Great video, I really enjoy your dissections of movies, good and bad.
Finally someone brings up this 20 year old gem! Amazing soundtrack, great visuals and haunting athmosphere. And the idea that a whole planet is a conscious entity is the weirdest idea of a life form in the whole SF that i know, even topping sandworms, wormgods, black monoliths and the great link of changelings (which was surely inspired by Solaris). I felt hypnotized by this movie.
If you think about it logically don't you think the Earth and Planets are alive? To imagine that they're "dead rocks" floating in Space kind of highlights our ignorance.
Yeah it's definitely a weird idea. I loved the Futurama episode "Godfellas" where Bender became a god-planet floating through space with civilisations luving on him. Really made me think, especially when he meets God and complains that whenever he tries to help his civilisation he just makes things worse but if he does nothing things still get worse. And God chuckles and says: "When you do things right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all."
Oh, I think you are onto something! In the video message Gibarian said that Chris’ expertise and “experiences” make him a perfect candidate to come to Solaris.
I never thought of that, but you might definitely have a good point! I can't remember any specific quotes, but when the "DBA Emissaries" play Kelvin the transmission from Gibarian, there was a definite pleading and inviting quality about it, like "Please, come to Solaris."
Solaris is a brilliant movie. As far as I remember though it's explicitly stated in the movie that Solaris is a sapient planet. I haven't watched it in a long time but I'm 90% sure on that.
Lem wrote about Solaris, and I forget timing, and some of what he said about it in other works like "Microworlds" but it's my impression he may have been inspired by "Roadside Picnic." He postulates that if we ever encounter alien intelligence their's no guarantee we will understand it or it us. Kelvin and the explorers don't understand Solaris and it's to Soderburg's credit that he understood and was brave enough to be true to Lem's vision. This is an alien truly alien to human understanding. I highly recommend and strongly encourage that you read "Microworlds" Lem is an intellectual force hard to disagree with when it comes to writing about fictional stories in this genre and invaluable guide to writing and evaluating stories in this and fantasy genres.
I have both versions of Solaris on blu-ray and I'm VERY fond of the Soderbergh film because the imagery and performances are superb. Of COURSE it didn't do well because it's aimed at an intelligent viewer.
Neither of the adaptations even got close to the book's quality. Absolutely mandatory read - highly influential book, it' essentially responsible for concepts used in Jacob's Ladder. Silent Hill 2, Dead Space and many more creations related to psychological thriller/horror
"VR-5" was an awesome and very under rated television show! A surreal sci-fi show set in the near future where the main character can enter anyone's subconscious (where she can alter their conscious thoughts or actions by interacting with them in a very cool & surreal landscape) by calling them on a landline telephone. (Filmed before mobiles were common.)
I saw this in the theater and loved it. It was not what I expected. At times I wondered if I was watching the same movie I saw on the commercial preview. And yet I still walked away pleased.
Watched Solaris more then 50 times. Fantastic at all level. a) Sci-Fy b) Humanity c) Good actors d) Life and death e) Clones/copy f) psychology g) Science h) unknow life form Got EVERYTING ♥
@@IrfanArif-j7u Blackrock and Vanguard (main Hollywood shareholders) prioritizing "The Message" over making money. Those companies want to divide and destroy societies to "build back better". Media is just of the legs they use in the agenda.
Nice tribute to what I consider a modern classic. The original 1972 film is one of my favourite movies, so friends of mine assumed I was going to loathe this. However I loved the changes. You might want to seek out the beautiful BBC radioplay adaption with the incredible Joanne Froggat as Rheya
@@NisiCaloponis Sure, but he's still a human with no special immunity to diseases, spatial anomalies, or aliens that can turn reality into a holodeck simulation.
Interestingly enough, Stanisław didn't seem to like either of the film adaptations as he believed they focused too much on the humans rather than the overall theme of the novel.
I saw this twice at the cinema. I always liked it. (I've read the book and seen the Russian film too.) At the time Clooney wasn't really considered a 'serious' actor, more of a movie star. But he did a great job. The soundtrack is incredible of course, and became more well known than the film itself.
I remember the ads for Solaris when it came out and they really tried to make it out as much more of an action/horror film than it was. That said it's not one of my favorites but it's not bad. Compared to most movies of the last 5 years or so Solaris is borderline epic now. Your videos have sent me back to watch multiple movies I haven't seen for years and well it looks like you just got me again. 😂
Soderbergh's "Solaris" is in my top list of movies. As you point out, it isn't for everyone, it's slow and deliberate and full of complex emotion, but that's what makes it worth it. "Strange and spooky and alien and lovely" was how a friend of mine described it, and I think that's accurate. I guess if I think about it, no, I didn't really "like" the ending, because it cuts off just as the joyful denouement is beginning, but that's also part of the delight of the movie. Thanks for the honest review.
It reminds me of The Fountain- it’s a film I absolutely adore and it’s more of a spiritual journey than anything, but I still can’t bring myself to watch it because it’s devastating. I feel utterly wrecked after watching the film, and while that can be cathartic in a way, you don’t really want to go there if you’re already in the dumps and you don’t want to sabotage a good mood, so…. It’s a slim window.
Like Burton's adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, I see this film as another book adaptation vs a remake of a previous film. I love this film, and cannot believe it got cut in half in the editing room. From a 3 hour to a 90 minute cut - crazy!
I also liked this film very much. In particular: The Opening scenes, introducing who Kelvin is (in a subtle futurism), and the montage of him meeting and hooking up with Rhea (when the Score is at its most Gorgeous !). I also loved Jeremy Davies' quirky personification of Snow, esp his (doesn't-quite-get-it) monologue about "woman....and women". [Also liked him in "Saving Private Ryan" !] And Viola Davis' appearance has "fluctuated" more (between average and gorgeous), even over just a few years, than almost any actor I recall.
I read the book when I was in high school, but I have never seen the film all the way through; just a part of the film while a friend was channel hopping. I really liked the book The Invincible.
Nice video - Tarkovsky's Solaris is regarded as one of the all-time best sci fi films, as is his Stalker - but this adap of Soderbergh's was really excellent, one of his best films, and I agree this was unfairly overlooked - it may be that the predecessor's long shadow also contributed to this reception
No, the finale is Clooney replica and his wife's replica moving, reaching to earth. The original Clooney did indeed died on Solaris. It's an alien invasion. All in all a wonderful movie. Compare it with the last sequels of Star Wars or The Avengers.
I'm not jettisoning Natascha McElhone into space, I can tell you that. Hypnotic musical score. The editing really delivers the sense of dreams, memory, regret, etc. I have an idea that many people who think this film is bad think that the Tarkovsky version is the only version deserving of respect - or worse, they've only read that that Tarkovsky version is well-respected and they're just parroting a bit of Received Wisdom.
I'll get it for saying it, but I prefer this version to the Tarkovsky one. I think this is a classic example of how less can be more. I remember I didn't get a chance to see it at the cinema, so I got it on vhs [was still doing that till late 2003] and the moment I finished watching it my brother came into the room and said 'didn't want to disturb you till it had finished, but how great was that film?' He'd clearly been bursting to share his enthusiasm for it.
Great Review. I've seen Solaris at least 20 times. Been a fan of the film for a long time and have recommended it quite a few times to others. Easily a top 20 Sci Fi Film to me.
The Solaris novel by Stanislaw Lem on which this film is based is one of my fav novels of all times. I've read it probably more than 10 times in the last 30 years and it still keeps me engaged. The original novel ask fundamental questions of what is love, what is god if it even exists, what is a purpose of spece exploration and what is humanity. The movie is not it. I wanted to watch an adaptation of my beloved novel hoping it would be even better than the original. I, however, left the cinema before it was over. It's not it
I remember watching Solaris as a teenager and was just old enough to realise that a lot of what the story was trying to tell just flew over my head, but I was also old enough to realise the story was quite deep and slow-burn, and I've always meant to re-watch it as even if I remember scenes and story beats, it's basically going to be a first watch.
The original Russian version is like an hour and a half longer, and the most interesting criticism of the Soderberg version was that it felt as long as the Russian version. I've seen both, the Soderberg version is okay, the Russian version is MUCH better though. Andrei Tarkovsky was a great director.
Enough cannot be said for the magical ethereal atmosphere this movie had through the combination of beautiful cinematography and magical ambient score. It felt dream like. A great showcase of what perfectly matched visuals and score can do.
One of my all time favorites! For me, Solaris reflects whatever issues are unresolved and unforgiven in the unconscious mind. It pushes up all of the darkness-the blocks to Love’s awareness-so that they may be healed. I understand the first film from 1972 (Russian) is quite good as well. In fact some prefer it.
I love this movie. I first saw it as a DVD rental, and the DVD was scratched and stopped playing 3/4 of the way through. I ran back to the video store to replace it with another copy so I could finish the movie. The tension that was building up throughout the film stayed with me running to the store and back. The film was enrapturing and wouldn't let go for a while.
I watched both films and the reboot is surprisingly good. While the original does lots of things better so does this one in some aspects. It's a worthy watch.
I absolutely love Solaris. I also watched the original movie, and read the book. Originally, Solaris is a regular planet, and it's only the ocean on it that's anomalous. It creates weird, impossible shapes, and also creates replicants of people from their memories. When separated from the person that generated them, they become dangerously violent, and they possess super-strength.
Saw this in the cinema, have read the book many times and watched the original film. I loved the music in this version. Wasn't really sold on George Clooney, but that was about it. This was a passion project by the director and the company that did the Solaris effects also did Star Trek 5.
Totally agree with your views on this film Dave, it is massively underrated, intelligent and emotional. It is the sort of science-fiction I am drawn to and it leaves space for you to project your own ideas about what Solaris is. As yo say, we don't need to have everything explained, it is good to have ambiguity, that let's us engage our own thoughts and conceive our own ideas - which is what all the best science-fiction films do. It is good to see a review of this film, even better to find it chimes with my own view of the film; it is definitely time I watched it again.
Beautiful film - I saw it in theaters. Way easier to follow than the 1972 version, and the soundtrack is amazing. Really wish this would get the 4K treatment for home video.
Finally someone brings this underrated sci-fi gem that is a masterpiece on par with recent ones like interstellar & such.one of my favs in the genre & has such a deep meaning .
I watched Solaris more then 50 times, it got everything 1- Sci Fy 2- Psychology 3- Romance 4- Regrets 5- Spirituality 6- Life after death 7-Cloning paradox 8- Murder 9- Wanting kids/abortion 10- Tension 11- Hopes 12- What if's 13- Friendship IT'S AN ABSOLUTE GEM.
I think a lot of those older movies were overlooked back then because we had so much good content. One might even call it a glut of good content. Now we've got a dearth of good content, and even the most weak movies will be praised. So if you've missed this one or any of a thousand movies from 10+ years ago, it's a good bet they'll be better than what's around now.
The point of Solaris is that we don't even realise that making contact with each other is special. We don't need aliens, we need each other. The existence of others makes us self conscious... Watch the film then read the book.
I loved it so much I it made my "go to sleep watching a movie" top 5. It's the acting & pace along with a mystery. I almost felt like it was going to be a real let down predictable ending. No way 😮 and anyone can relate to an old partner "as WE remember them" which is interesting. A mature movie. 4 stars
Haven't seen this version, but I have seen Tarkovsky's version. As with most of Tarkovsky's work, it's very dense and I struggled with it. But it's a beautiful picture.
Excellent Movie. Different from Tarkovsky's which his like 2001 about human condition and the difficulty of making sense of it while living in space (or in the modern world, which was a frequent theme during the XXth century. See also Stalker.) Also different from Lem's novel which is about the problem of communication with alien lifeforms, like Villeneuve's Arrival (but more intelligent and profound than Villeneuve.) Soderbergh's is about what is it to be a sentient being. It begins the reflection where Blade Runners levaves it, and parallels PK Dick's "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheeps" book (which is the source material for Blade Runner's story.) The pace of Soderbergh's Solaris is perfect, letting the spectator tension and questionning building, and bringing new elements of thinking a the right moment. The movie is about what is it to be sentient, not why things happens near Solaris? Or what Solaris is? Which is very different from the Novel and why Stanislas Lem didn't like this movie.
IMO, both Solaris movies are criminally underrated. These kinds of cerebral and frankly depressing movies are never going to be blockbusters, but they are still worthwhile nevertheless.
Only thing I remember about this movie, is that I was almost bored to tears watching it. But I was much younger. Now I absolutely want to give it another go.
I saw the Russian (USSR) version back in the 70s. It was a bit difficult to follow through the subtitles, but it was still a good movie with very good cinematography. As I enjoyed the Russian version, I will give the American one a watch on your recommendation. Thank you. :)
I saw this film when it first came out and was not very fond of it. That was over twenty years ago and I was in my early twenties. This may require a rewatch, not only due to the passing of time and lack of memory but also the themes in this film would probably resonate much more with an older me now than a younger me at that time. Thats the beauty of film sometimes- it never changes but those watching it do! Thats why films critically and commercially panned at the time they were released are now considered “classics”. Funny how that works!🤔
I've always liked this movie. Several themes overlapping----relationships, human nature, consciousness, sentience, being the sum of one's memories, what it means to be alive and/or dead---all open to interpretation. It is said elsewhere on this Comments strand that the film was marketed as a sci-fi action movie. That would explain the disappointment in audiences at the time. That's PR people bating movie goers. It is clear that the makers of the film saw it as something else and were aiming at a thinking audience. Thanks for highlighting its merits, Dave.
Joe, any reason you Capitalized The First Letter of Each Word in Your Sentence _and_ put it in quotes? This isn't an ad nor is it a quote. Try writing like a human next time.
I too enjoyed this film as, like you, it made me think of the various possibilities/circumstances of during and after the film ending. I think, maybe one of the reasons why this film didn't become a success was and, I guess still is, most movie goers just want to watch a decent/great film that provides most, if not all, the answers by the end of it. Sort of like a 'You don't need to think too much, as it'll all work itself out by the end folks!' type of film... 😏. But I DO enjoy a film that leaves questions for the imagination as well as the 'Whole situation is wrapped up' type movies... 😏 😎🇬🇧
The premise as you have described it here in this video is absolutely terrifying! LMAO Like existential crisis levels of terror. Oof, think I'll pass. 😅
Download & Install Nord VPN here: nordvpn.com/DaveCullen
Solaris was sold to the public as a Sci-Fi action vehicle. It dealt with big themes, but not big action and people were disappointed. However, this is the perfect example of a slower-paced film that is never boring.
Which is weird, because that's like trying to sell Waiting for Godot as a Rambo style movie. Solaris was always going to be an arthouse movie for an arthouse audience.
@@chaptermasterpedrokantor1623 I know, but if your saw the press at the time, it was pictures of George Clooney with a gun in space. The internet wasn't quite as all-invasive as it is now, and people were duped.
@@FatNorthernBigot Sounds like the same 'truth in advertising' as presenting Argylle as a Henry Cavill action flick.
It was mismarketed(🤔) . I appreciated on a third viewing. I was left with a feeling of melancholy. It was "if /is this is what you want...I can approximate " it's horrible when you think about... nothing is making rational sense, then your departed love is there, but she isn't. But you see her, feel her. But she isn't.
.....Did he/is He...
Cerebral themes....I dunno about "BIG" themes
Everything 10 plus years ago is underrated compared to most of the garbage being produced today.
The Last Airbender, Cop Out, , & Tooth Fairy were made in 2010; Jack & Jill, Sucker Punch, & Green Lantern 2011; Battleship, Red Dawn(remake), Wrath of the Titans, 2012; Movie 43, R.I.P.D, After Earth, 2013. Broad sweeping statements never age well. Yep. Some bad movies were made post that, but your argument sucks.
Okay, I'll get off your lawn.
From a statistical view his statement holds water.
@@guyjperson I love Battleship with the old vets kicking ass.
@@guyjperson A much larger proportion of utter shyte has been on offer over the last 10 years, than previously. Much of this crap is driven by Activists, rather than creators with any talent. So, decent film nuggets are much harder to come by, certainly from mainstream sources, such as Hollywood.
I've always loved this version of Solaris. It's a great sci fi movie and, although the standard DVD looks great on my TV, it still deserves a proper 4k treatment.
The book is so good.
In the book it wasn't God they were contacting but the planet Solaris itself. It was an evolved being that took over the whole sphere to the extent that it could actually steer itself through space. The 'ghosts' were its attempts to make contact with the humans. Great book, great film.
These aspects were also made clear in the Russian film version. I was able to catch that, even fighting through subtitles. The 2002 American version seemed to totally miss those points.
solaris, the book was a failure of communication between humans and alien specie, that made a contact, and neither side couldnt find a common ground to say "hello". i've seen this movie multiple times, possibly nostalgia, coz of the book. and movie pissed me off every time i was watching it for missing Stanislaw Lem's point.
Great book. Movie is mediocre compare to the book.
And to kill some of the humans, it would seem.
@@travist.7279The Russian version was made under Communist and atheist USSR, so not surprising that they would not want to 'find' God.
But I agree that the US version of the film is not portraying God or a god-like entity, either.
Without going into the Doctrine of God, if that was intended by anyone, not only did they fail but they also have a very twisted understanding of what God is like.
Ah!
Remember when films were good and allowed you to think for yourself.
Great movie.
It reminds me of Sphere, where annakien object can make the scientists' fears come true underwater.
This version of Solaris is much easier to watch than the Tarkovsky version, since here in the West we are used to Hollywood filmmaking. Tarkovsky was a genius and most if not all of his films are about the human condition. Solaris is no exception.
Videos like this and the comments always give me hope. It's really satisfying to know I'm not the only person in the world who likes both versions of Solaris and appreciates the novel. Soderberg's version wasn't a remake so much as a re-interpretation and included plotlines that were in neither the book or the original movie. It's also a novel that deserves to stay in public awareness as one of those works that asks ''big'' questions without any simple answers and movie adaptations are one way of keeping the discussion alive.
Great video, I really enjoy your dissections of movies, good and bad.
Correction: The young boy seen at the beginning and end of the film is Solaris's replica of Gibarian's young son, not Kelvin's.
Your UA-cam channel is underrated!
I rate it very highly 👍🏻
His other one that got banned was much better.
The score of this film by Cliff Martinez is amazing.
I think the soundtrack is better than movie.
Soundtrack is amazing.
Finally someone brings up this 20 year old gem! Amazing soundtrack, great visuals and haunting athmosphere. And the idea that a whole planet is a conscious entity is the weirdest idea of a life form in the whole SF that i know, even topping sandworms, wormgods, black monoliths and the great link of changelings (which was surely inspired by Solaris). I felt hypnotized by this movie.
If you think about it logically don't you think the Earth and Planets are alive? To imagine that they're "dead rocks" floating in Space kind of highlights our ignorance.
Yeah it's definitely a weird idea. I loved the Futurama episode "Godfellas" where Bender became a god-planet floating through space with civilisations luving on him.
Really made me think, especially when he meets God and complains that whenever he tries to help his civilisation he just makes things worse but if he does nothing things still get worse. And God chuckles and says: "When you do things right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all."
I think Dr. Gibarian knew bringing his grieving friend,Kelvin, to Solaris would bring back a copy of Rhea
Oh, I think you are onto something! In the video message Gibarian said that Chris’ expertise and “experiences” make him a perfect candidate to come to Solaris.
I never thought of that, but you might definitely have a good point! I can't remember any specific quotes, but when the "DBA Emissaries" play Kelvin the transmission from Gibarian, there was a definite pleading and inviting quality about it, like "Please, come to Solaris."
That's why he tells Kelvin: "...I think you Need to".
Solaris is a brilliant movie. As far as I remember though it's explicitly stated in the movie that Solaris is a sapient planet. I haven't watched it in a long time but I'm 90% sure on that.
Lem wrote about Solaris, and I forget timing, and some of what he said about it in other works like "Microworlds" but it's my impression he may have been inspired by "Roadside Picnic." He postulates that if we ever encounter alien intelligence their's no guarantee we will understand it or it us. Kelvin and the explorers don't understand Solaris and it's to Soderburg's credit that he understood and was brave enough to be true to Lem's vision. This is an alien truly alien to human understanding.
I highly recommend and strongly encourage that you read "Microworlds" Lem is an intellectual force hard to disagree with when it comes to writing about fictional stories in this genre and invaluable guide to writing and evaluating stories in this and fantasy genres.
I have both versions of Solaris on blu-ray and I'm VERY fond of the Soderbergh film because the imagery and performances are superb. Of COURSE it didn't do well because it's aimed at an intelligent viewer.
I demand explosions and space marines!
Can you remember that most of the coverage in the US media was about Clooney's arse? Ridiculous.
Ackshually, Stanislaw Lem had a very sharp sense of humour and a perchant for absurdism, if you read the brilliant Star Diaries.
Neither of the adaptations even got close to the book's quality. Absolutely mandatory read - highly influential book, it' essentially responsible for concepts used in Jacob's Ladder. Silent Hill 2, Dead Space and many more creations related to psychological thriller/horror
"VR-5" was an awesome and very under rated television show!
A surreal sci-fi show set in the near future where the main character can enter anyone's subconscious (where she can alter their conscious thoughts or actions by interacting with them in a very cool & surreal landscape) by calling them on a landline telephone. (Filmed before mobiles were common.)
I put this in a trilogy of 'depressed' Clooney films. Up in the Air, Solaris, and The American. I love all thee of them.
Those are probably my three favorite Clooney films. But you should also add Michael Clayton to the mix
I saw this in the theater and loved it. It was not what I expected. At times I wondered if I was watching the same movie I saw on the commercial preview. And yet I still walked away pleased.
Watched Solaris more then 50 times. Fantastic at all level. a) Sci-Fy b) Humanity c) Good actors d) Life and death e) Clones/copy f) psychology g) Science h) unknow life form Got EVERYTING ♥
I also watched it like 100 times...cannot understand why they wont make movies like these anymore
@@IrfanArif-j7u Blackrock and Vanguard (main Hollywood shareholders) prioritizing "The Message" over making money. Those companies want to divide and destroy societies to "build back better". Media is just of the legs they use in the agenda.
This was also the first time an entire movie leaked online in DVD quality. Soon to follow by many
"I was haunted by the idea that I remembered her wrong..."
"... and that somehow, I was wrong about everything." Such a powerful line.
Nice tribute to what I consider a modern classic. The original 1972 film is one of my favourite movies, so friends of mine assumed I was going to loathe this. However I loved the changes. You might want to seek out the beautiful BBC radioplay adaption with the incredible Joanne Froggat as Rheya
Everyone on a space station has gone nuts so we’re going to send another guy there and just assume he won’t go nuts too. Brilliant!
the another guy is a psychiater, intending to solve the go nuts problem.
@@NisiCaloponis Sure, but he's still a human with no special immunity to diseases, spatial anomalies, or aliens that can turn reality into a holodeck simulation.
The one guy that was supposed to bring em back ends up staying there himself lol
Dave: "There's and old movie I think is worth....
Me: "Sounds good, here's a like. be right back."
It's good, but prefer the old Tarkovsky version.
Interestingly enough, Stanisław didn't seem to like either of the film adaptations as he believed they focused too much on the humans rather than the overall theme of the novel.
Tarkovsky was brilliant, and his version of Solaris was a cinematic masterpiece.
@@vickdisco Except for 10 min segment of the motorway. Still do not know the point of that scene.
I saw this twice at the cinema. I always liked it. (I've read the book and seen the Russian film too.)
At the time Clooney wasn't really considered a 'serious' actor, more of a movie star. But he did a great job. The soundtrack is incredible of course, and became more well known than the film itself.
So glad you said "Mclhone". I've been getting it right since Ronin, assuming it was wrong. 🤦🏻♀️
Dave, extremely underrated movie. So glad you're covering this.
Solaris is amaze-balls. Go watch it now.
The 1972 original film by Tarkovsky is one of my all time favourites.
Orginal?
This book is original.
@@MH-vx1fo Original film.
I remember the ads for Solaris when it came out and they really tried to make it out as much more of an action/horror film than it was.
That said it's not one of my favorites but it's not bad.
Compared to most movies of the last 5 years or so Solaris is borderline epic now.
Your videos have sent me back to watch multiple movies I haven't seen for years and well it looks like you just got me again.
😂
Soderbergh's "Solaris" is in my top list of movies. As you point out, it isn't for everyone, it's slow and deliberate and full of complex emotion, but that's what makes it worth it. "Strange and spooky and alien and lovely" was how a friend of mine described it, and I think that's accurate. I guess if I think about it, no, I didn't really "like" the ending, because it cuts off just as the joyful denouement is beginning, but that's also part of the delight of the movie. Thanks for the honest review.
It reminds me of The Fountain- it’s a film I absolutely adore and it’s more of a spiritual journey than anything, but I still can’t bring myself to watch it because it’s devastating. I feel utterly wrecked after watching the film, and while that can be cathartic in a way, you don’t really want to go there if you’re already in the dumps and you don’t want to sabotage a good mood, so…. It’s a slim window.
Like Burton's adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, I see this film as another book adaptation vs a remake of a previous film. I love this film, and cannot believe it got cut in half in the editing room. From a 3 hour to a 90 minute cut - crazy!
Though well-made and enjoyable, this film can't escape the shadow of Tarkovksy's version which is a masterpiece.
Having lost a beloved wife, Solaris poses a question I've yet to be able to answer after 12 years. Would I make the same choice as Chris Kelvin?
I was very pleased to see your video in my feed! I think about this version of Solaris quite often.
I also liked this film very much. In particular: The Opening scenes, introducing who Kelvin is (in a subtle futurism), and the montage of him meeting and hooking up with Rhea (when the Score is at its most Gorgeous !).
I also loved Jeremy Davies' quirky personification of Snow, esp his (doesn't-quite-get-it) monologue about "woman....and women". [Also liked him in "Saving Private Ryan" !]
And Viola Davis' appearance has "fluctuated" more (between average and gorgeous), even over just a few years, than almost any actor I recall.
I read the book when I was in high school, but I have never seen the film all the way through; just a part of the film while a friend was channel hopping. I really liked the book The Invincible.
Such wonderful news! Congratulations!!!
Nice video - Tarkovsky's Solaris is regarded as one of the all-time best sci fi films, as is his Stalker - but this adap of Soderbergh's was really excellent, one of his best films, and I agree this was unfairly overlooked - it may be that the predecessor's long shadow also contributed to this reception
No, the finale is Clooney replica and his wife's replica moving, reaching to earth. The original Clooney did indeed died on Solaris. It's an alien invasion. All in all a wonderful movie. Compare it with the last sequels of Star Wars or The Avengers.
I'm not jettisoning Natascha McElhone into space, I can tell you that. Hypnotic musical score. The editing really delivers the sense of dreams, memory, regret, etc. I have an idea that many people who think this film is bad think that the Tarkovsky version is the only version deserving of respect - or worse, they've only read that that Tarkovsky version is well-respected and they're just parroting a bit of Received Wisdom.
I'll get it for saying it, but I prefer this version to the Tarkovsky one. I think this is a classic example of how less can be more. I remember I didn't get a chance to see it at the cinema, so I got it on vhs [was still doing that till late 2003] and the moment I finished watching it my brother came into the room and said 'didn't want to disturb you till it had finished, but how great was that film?' He'd clearly been bursting to share his enthusiasm for it.
Great Review. I've seen Solaris at least 20 times. Been a fan of the film for a long time and have recommended it quite a few times to others. Easily a top 20 Sci Fi Film to me.
The Solaris novel by Stanislaw Lem on which this film is based is one of my fav novels of all times. I've read it probably more than 10 times in the last 30 years and it still keeps me engaged. The original novel ask fundamental questions of what is love, what is god if it even exists, what is a purpose of spece exploration and what is humanity. The movie is not it. I wanted to watch an adaptation of my beloved novel hoping it would be even better than the original. I, however, left the cinema before it was over. It's not it
I was blown away by Solaris. Such a gorgeous and captivating movie. I use score to fall asleep to.
I remember watching Solaris as a teenager and was just old enough to realise that a lot of what the story was trying to tell just flew over my head, but I was also old enough to realise the story was quite deep and slow-burn, and I've always meant to re-watch it as even if I remember scenes and story beats, it's basically going to be a first watch.
The original Russian version is like an hour and a half longer, and the most interesting criticism of the Soderberg version was that it felt as long as the Russian version. I've seen both, the Soderberg version is okay, the Russian version is MUCH better though. Andrei Tarkovsky was a great director.
They're both great for different reasons.
Enough cannot be said for the magical ethereal atmosphere this movie had through the combination of beautiful cinematography and magical ambient score. It felt dream like. A great showcase of what perfectly matched visuals and score can do.
It’s “bye bye” at the end of each video I appreciate the most.
One of my all time favorites! For me, Solaris reflects whatever issues are unresolved and unforgiven in the unconscious mind. It pushes up all of the darkness-the blocks to Love’s awareness-so that they may be healed. I understand the first film from 1972 (Russian) is quite good as well. In fact some prefer it.
I love this movie. I first saw it as a DVD rental, and the DVD was scratched and stopped playing 3/4 of the way through. I ran back to the video store to replace it with another copy so I could finish the movie. The tension that was building up throughout the film stayed with me running to the store and back. The film was enrapturing and wouldn't let go for a while.
I watched both films and the reboot is surprisingly good. While the original does lots of things better so does this one in some aspects. It's a worthy watch.
I absolutely love Solaris. I also watched the original movie, and read the book. Originally, Solaris is a regular planet, and it's only the ocean on it that's anomalous. It creates weird, impossible shapes, and also creates replicants of people from their memories. When separated from the person that generated them, they become dangerously violent, and they possess super-strength.
Saw this in the cinema, have read the book many times and watched the original film. I loved the music in this version. Wasn't really sold on George Clooney, but that was about it. This was a passion project by the director and the company that did the Solaris effects also did Star Trek 5.
Totally agree with your views on this film Dave, it is massively underrated, intelligent and emotional. It is the sort of science-fiction I am drawn to and it leaves space for you to project your own ideas about what Solaris is. As yo say, we don't need to have everything explained, it is good to have ambiguity, that let's us engage our own thoughts and conceive our own ideas - which is what all the best science-fiction films do. It is good to see a review of this film, even better to find it chimes with my own view of the film; it is definitely time I watched it again.
bought a dvd of this masterpiece and used to watch it on weekends...magnum opus indeed
Beautiful film - I saw it in theaters. Way easier to follow than the 1972 version, and the soundtrack is amazing. Really wish this would get the 4K treatment for home video.
I saw this movie in the theater. Several middle aged women sat in front of me, and giggled at Clooney's rear end.
I missed this one in the theaters but meant to watch it later. Thank you for the reminder!
A heartbreaking picture, wonderful picture. Dave, you rock!
Solaris is beautiful, and the soundtrack compliments the wonderful visuals perfectly.
I liked Solaris, albeit it was a few years ago. I recall loving the soundtrack
Finally someone brings this underrated sci-fi gem that is a masterpiece on par with recent ones like interstellar & such.one of my favs in the genre & has such a deep meaning .
Just re-watched today and understand and value it better than the first time!
Forgot about this one. I remember enjoying it. Thanks for the reminder.
I watched Solaris more then 50 times, it got everything 1- Sci Fy 2- Psychology 3- Romance 4- Regrets 5- Spirituality 6- Life after death 7-Cloning paradox 8- Murder 9- Wanting kids/abortion 10- Tension 11- Hopes 12- What if's 13- Friendship IT'S AN ABSOLUTE GEM.
I think a lot of those older movies were overlooked back then because we had so much good content. One might even call it a glut of good content. Now we've got a dearth of good content, and even the most weak movies will be praised. So if you've missed this one or any of a thousand movies from 10+ years ago, it's a good bet they'll be better than what's around now.
The point of Solaris is that we don't even realise that making contact with each other is special. We don't need aliens, we need each other. The existence of others makes us self conscious... Watch the film then read the book.
I loved it so much I it made my "go to sleep watching a movie" top 5. It's the acting & pace along with a mystery. I almost felt like it was going to be a real let down predictable ending. No way 😮 and anyone can relate to an old partner "as WE remember them" which is interesting. A mature movie. 4 stars
Love this movie! Clooney was fantastic.
I absolutely loved this film-I thought it was genius, pure art.
Haven't seen this version, but I have seen Tarkovsky's version. As with most of Tarkovsky's work, it's very dense and I struggled with it. But it's a beautiful picture.
Excellent Movie. Different from Tarkovsky's which his like 2001 about human condition and the difficulty of making sense of it while living in space (or in the modern world, which was a frequent theme during the XXth century. See also Stalker.)
Also different from Lem's novel which is about the problem of communication with alien lifeforms, like Villeneuve's Arrival (but more intelligent and profound than Villeneuve.)
Soderbergh's is about what is it to be a sentient being. It begins the reflection where Blade Runners levaves it, and parallels PK Dick's "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheeps" book (which is the source material for Blade Runner's story.)
The pace of Soderbergh's Solaris is perfect, letting the spectator tension and questionning building, and bringing new elements of thinking a the right moment. The movie is about what is it to be sentient, not why things happens near Solaris? Or what Solaris is? Which is very different from the Novel and why Stanislas Lem didn't like this movie.
I drove a Solaris once. It ran well.
I've always loved this film. It's both eerie and disturbing, helped by that sound track.
Which is probably why I like another slow burner: Moon.
I really liked 2002 Solaris. Excellent visuals, acting, directing and an excellent slow burning script.
IMO, both Solaris movies are criminally underrated. These kinds of cerebral and frankly depressing movies are never going to be blockbusters, but they are still worthwhile nevertheless.
Only thing I remember about this movie, is that I was almost bored to tears watching it. But I was much younger. Now I absolutely want to give it another go.
I saw the Russian (USSR) version back in the 70s. It was a bit difficult to follow through the subtitles, but it was still a good movie with very good cinematography. As I enjoyed the Russian version, I will give the American one a watch on your recommendation. Thank you. :)
I haven't seen it but the original is my dad's favorite movie of all time.
There's also a version made for Russian TV in the 60s. 'Solaris (1968) english subtitles'
Reminds me of the book and movie Sphere where the crew is manifesting entities.
Sphere feels like a crude ripoff to Solaris.
I saw this film when it first came out and was not very fond of it. That was over twenty years ago and I was in my early twenties. This may require a rewatch, not only due to the passing of time and lack of memory but also the themes in this film would probably resonate much more with an older me now than a younger me at that time. Thats the beauty of film sometimes- it never changes but those watching it do! Thats why films critically and commercially panned at the time they were released are now considered “classics”. Funny how that works!🤔
I fucking LOVE this movie. So underrated.
I watched it and sort of forgot it to be honest, I might have to give it a watch again.
I really enjoyed this film when it came out and still do. I think most people were expecting something different than what it was.
I've always liked this movie. Several themes overlapping----relationships, human nature, consciousness, sentience, being the sum of one's memories, what it means to be alive and/or dead---all open to interpretation. It is said elsewhere on this Comments strand that the film was marketed as a sci-fi action movie. That would explain the disappointment in audiences at the time. That's PR people bating movie goers. It is clear that the makers of the film saw it as something else and were aiming at a thinking audience. Thanks for highlighting its merits, Dave.
"It Was Not His 'Unborn-Son' ... It Was a Copy of his Scientist-Friend's Son, Left Over from When his Friend Killed ... Himself !"
Yep, it’s a replica of Gibarian’s son.
Joe, any reason you Capitalized The First Letter of Each Word in Your Sentence _and_ put it in quotes? This isn't an ad nor is it a quote. Try writing like a human next time.
Love the book, read it several times. Didn't see the film since they changed the ending, may look it up.
I too enjoyed this film as, like you, it made me think of the various possibilities/circumstances of during and after the film ending. I think, maybe one of the reasons why this film didn't become a success was and, I guess still is, most movie goers just want to watch a decent/great film that provides most, if not all, the answers by the end of it. Sort of like a 'You don't need to think too much, as it'll all work itself out by the end folks!' type of film... 😏. But I DO enjoy a film that leaves questions for the imagination as well as the 'Whole situation is wrapped up' type movies... 😏
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The premise as you have described it here in this video is absolutely terrifying! LMAO Like existential crisis levels of terror. Oof, think I'll pass. 😅
The plot devices in this movie remind me of 1999 sphere. You should take a look at it David it is based on Michael Crichton’s book too.
The book and the 72 film have been very influential. Both Star Trek and Star Gate have done episodes based on it. Thanks.
Agree: underappreciated. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole cast. Jeremy Davies was great.