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Solaris
2002
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 | |
| Genres | Sci-Fi/Fantasy |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Hearing-impaired | English |
| Released | DVD: 21 Jul 2003 Production year: 2002 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews
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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.
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Most helpful member's review
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31 out of 47 people found this review helpful
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. -
Most recent members' review
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5 out of 9 people found this review helpful
Solaris
This was the most boring film I think I have ever seen. The plot was pretty scarce and whilst George Clooney and Natasha McElhone are generally good actors, I don't think even they could save this!
I can only be thankful that it was a short film.
It was, in its defence, however, well shot but that is the only plus side. -
News and features
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Moon
- Tom Charity
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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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