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Solaris Details

2002 Certificate 12
  • Rated:
  • 50
  • from 15,903 members

Steven Soderbergh (OCEAN'S ELEVEN, TRAFFIC) delivers yet another inspired remake with this pensive sci-fi drama based on the book by Stanislaw Lem. Taking his cue from Russian master Andrei Tarkovsky's 1972 epic of the same name, Soderbergh boldly chooses atmosphere over action, crafting a profoundly meditative work that will .. Read more

Starring George Clooney, Natascha McElhone, Viola Davis, Jeremy Davies
Director Steven Soderbergh
Genres Sci-Fi/Fantasy

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Solaris

Steven Soderbergh (OCEAN'S ELEVEN, TRAFFIC) delivers yet another inspired remake with this pensive sci-fi drama based on the book by Stanislaw Lem. Taking his cue from Russian master Andrei Tarkovsky's 1972 epic of the same name, Soderbergh boldly chooses atmosphere over action, crafting a profoundly meditative work that will challenge audiences for many years to come. George Clooney plays Chris Kelvin, a therapist who is sent to a space station near the planet of Solaris in order to investigate a series of mysterious happenings. When he arrives, he finds only two surviving crew members, the hyper-strange Snow (Jeremy Davies) and ultra-paranoid Gordon (Viola Davis). Unable to make sense of their fear and confusion, Chris soon discovers the reason for their anxiety. In a seemingly implausible turn of events caused by Solaris's bizarre energy levels, Chris's deceased wife Rhea (Natascha McElhone) reappears. Fully aware that Rhea is only a figment of his memory, Chris is nonetheless unable to dismiss her due to the tragic events surrounding her death. He must somehow find a way to bid farewell to Rhea once and for all without collapsing under the weight of his own guilty conscience. Soderbergh's dream of a motion picture successfully balances philosophy with romance, telling a familiar tale of love and loss in a strikingly original way.

Starring George Clooney, Natascha McElhone, Viola Davis, Jeremy Davies
Director Steven Soderbergh
Studio 20TH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Run time DVD: 1 hr 34 mins
Certificate Certificate 12
Genres Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Language DVD: English
Hearing-impaired English
Released DVD: 21 Jul 2003
Production year: 2002
Format DVD

  • Critics' reviews of Solaris

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  • 4 stars out of 5

    Polish writer Stanislaw Lem's science-fiction novel Solaris was first filmed, brilliantly, by Russian director Andrei Tarkovsky in 1972. To remake what some critics regard as a masterpiece might seem impertinent, but director Steven Soderbergh has crafted an original, compelling drama here that shares Tarkovsky's intelligence, yet doesn't ape his vision. George Clooney, showcasing the acting talent that is often overshadowed by his good looks, plays psychologist Chris Kelvin, who is called to a space station orbiting the planet Solaris. The planet is revealed to be a responsive being, a Godhead that can take emotions from humans and make them flesh. Kelvin is joined by his wife Rheya (Natascha McElhone), though she had committed suicide on Earth some time before, but the nature of her presence is enigmatic. Will Kelvin be able to redeem past mistakes or is he doomed to repeat them? As a profound meditation on love, regret and desire, this is as disturbing as it is poignant.

    • Radio Times
    • Posted 29 Jan 2006

  • Most helpful member's review of Solaris

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  • 31 out of 47 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    Excellent, thoughtful sci-fi

    Not everyone will like Solaris. Some will complain that it isn't up to the original 1972 film, while others may not like the distinctly non-Hollywood introspective plot. It is certainly to a wider audience than the original (being about half as long), but it does suffer slightly from a more 'Hollywood' style explaination of what's going on.

    Everyone would probably agree that it is a very well made film though. Clooney is the best he's ever been, and the cinematography is excellent. The quiet soundtrack adds to the whole feeling of the film perfectly. The film is thought provoking and is a good example of genuine sci-fi that makes you think about it after the film as finished.

    Don't let people who tell you that it's not as good as the original put you off. Perhaps it isn't, but it's certainly more accessable.

      • DominicUK from Bath
      • Posted 13 Oct 2003 13:26

  • Most recent members' review of Solaris

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  • 4 out of 4 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    Essential Sci-Fi

    Natascha McElhone and George Clooney's chemistry practically burnt through the celluloid: electrifying, yet subtle. Also the bloke who played 'Snow' - fantastic! Where do I know this guy from? The movie itself was technically perfect - almost 2001-esque in its execution.

      • Desy from Carrickfergus
      • Posted 08 Apr 2007 18:19

  • News and features

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    His time is nearly up. Sam Bell has been faithfully monitoring the Lunar energy harvesting systems on Selene for three years now, and he’s more than ready to return home to his wife and child on Earth. It’s been a long haul, and the isolation is getting to him. The company’s direct video link has been down for months now, so the only line of communication involves a time-delayed relay via Saturn. There is always GERTY, the space station’s resident robot, who has been... Read more

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15,903 Member ratings
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      • Steven Soderbergh (OCEAN'S ELEVEN, TRAFFIC) delivers yet another inspired remake with this pensive sci-fi drama based on the book by Stanislaw Lem. Taking his cue from Russian master Andrei Tarkovsky'...