Solaris

[DreadPirateMurphy]

Just caught the 2002 version for the first time on AMC this weekend. It was definitely a concept film, with more focus on mood than plot. After reviewing information on Stanislaw Lem (the author of the original book), it seemed like Soderburgh focused the story more as an exploration of the nature of faith rather than the original author's intent of focusing on an encounter with the incomprehensibly alien. Overall, I liked it, but I can see why it wasn't a box office success.

Am I alone in liking the film, or in my interpretation?

 

[msd]

Just caught the 2002 version for the first time on AMC this weekend. It was definitely a concept film, with more focus on mood than plot. After reviewing information on Stanislaw Lem (the author of the original book), it seemed like Soderburgh focused the story more as an exploration of the nature of faith rather than the original author's intent of focusing on an encounter with the incomprehensibly alien. Overall, I liked it, but I can see why it wasn't a box office success.

Am I alone in liking the film, or in my interpretation?

No...you're not alone.

I think part of the problem was that a film version had already been made by a Russian director and, among critics, it was extraordinarily well-received. I think Soderbergh was in a bit of a corner in terms of bringing something new to the table.

Here is a profile of the original.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069293/

I saw the original (speak Russian). I don't know, but I assume that there is a version with subtitles out there somewhere.

 

[Mark CMG]

I enjoyed it, as well, but due to the performances and primarily Jeremy Davies' performance. I agree that the story suffered from the attempt to break new ground with this production, though I wasn't familiar with the 1972 version and can only be in agreeance on what has been said regarding it. That is to say that I would have preferred to see it tackle the idea of our race reaching out and encountering the incomprehensible. I think there is probably room for more than one take on that subject and the orginal work.

 

[Hijinks]

I didn't care for it. It seemed awful dreary and sleepy.

 

[Fast Learner]

I quite enjoyed it, but it was only afterward that I discovered that I'd seen the original, subtitled on the local PBS station some years ago. They were that dissimilar to me. But I quite enjoyed them both.

 

[barsoomcore]

I thought Soderberg's was pretty weak. Stanislaw Lem said, "...to my best knowledge, the book was not dedicated to erotic problems of people in outer space."



I far prefer Tarkovsky's version. But I bet Soderberg does, too.

 

[sniffles]

I thought it was far more entertaining than the Russian version, which I found so dull I quit watching it halfway through.

I can see why it wasn't a box-office success, though; it's far too moody for most typical audiences, even sci fi audiences.

IMHO it would simply be impossible to capture the feel of Lem's novel on film. You spend too much time inside the characters' thoughts.