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68.1.131.10
In Reply to: RE: How about one out in left field? posted by Rod H. on October 14, 2007 at 08:45:43
I was enthralled by 'Solaris', but my wife didn't get much out of it. I've tried to get her to watch it again - I've watched it several more times. In my opinion, it exemplifies what 'real' science fiction should be, while movies like 'Alien' are really just monster films that take place in space.
Have you seen the re-release of THX-1138? The added bits not only help update the film, but are very cool.
"Jazz is not dead - it just smells funny" FZ♬
Follow Ups:
...have compared the Russian version to a massive dose of Sominex. The endless tunnel sequence is one of the most boring sections of wasted film stock in history, subjectively speaking of course.> > > "In my opinion, it exemplifies what 'real' science fiction should be, while movies like 'Alien' are really just monster films that take place in space." < < <
Well, no offense, but I have to differ with your impressions even though I agree that good science fiction doesn't have to gravitate toward monster films to be relevent or involving. I consider AI-Artificial Intelligence, Charlie, The Abyss, Metropolis ('27), Clockwork Orange, etc., to be excellent science fiction films based upon thought provoking concepts, but AFAIC, Solaris (both versions, but especially "Tvarski's" original take on Stanislaw Lem's seminal work) is no more than an excuse for Directorial masturbation.
Respectfully,
AuPh
When someone really likes a film and mentions it over and over, it's understandable since it was obviously very impressive or important to him or her.
When someone really dislikes a film and mentions it over and over it seems pointless, especially to people who already appreciate the film and will never change their minds.
I can think of many films I didn't like initially, but later appreciated after another viewing or input from someone who liked it. I can't think of a single film I really liked, then later found I disliked because of another viewing or being "enlightened" by someone.
Rod
...but we've really tried with Solaris and while some may appreciate it's underlying subtleties it's a non-starter in our home. Certainly subjective opinions will differ, but as I pointed out earlier, we do agree with wazoo's wife and that's why I posted. She isn't alone in her opinion; both my wife and I share her frustration with this film.
> > > "When someone really dislikes a film and mentions it over and over it seems pointless, especially to people who already appreciate the film and will never change their minds." < < <
True enough, but sharing a profound dislike of Solaris that concurs with wazoo's wife's assessment isn't pointless IMO, it just confirms another informed opinion and there's nothing wrong with a mixture of differing views.
I really can't imagine changing anyone's mind here, but occasionally I like to lament the hours of my life that I lost trying to sit through that coma inducing flick. ;0)
Cheers,
AuPh
The last time, which I believe was about the third time I saw THX1138, we watched the recent re-release. Don't get me wrong, I really *do* like the film, it's just that I get a bit picky sometimes!
My wife has tried to watch the original Tarkovsky version of Solaris three times, and each time she fell asleep during the infamous drive to the launch pad scene which goes on forever. She falls asleep when a passenger in a real car too though!
Yes, I also prefer my Sci-Fi to be more based on the clash between technology and the human mind, than the clash with space monsters.
Have you seen Gattaca? It's been a while, but IIRC it might be one you'd appreciate.
Rod
'Gattaca' is a chilling exploration of eugenics. I liked it very much, but there are a few things about it that get under my skin. Absolute genetic determinism (being able to predict the day on which an individual will die of cardiac arrest) completely ignores the influence of one's environment. If I were born with a genetic predisposition to heart problems, whether or not I actually eventually suffer from them depends on how I live. Otherwise, the movie is excellent, with a solid plot and great acting.
I agree completely and am bothered by the fact that so few decent SciFi films exist. I was actually thinking of the remake of 'Solaris' (with George Clooney) - I thought it was very well done.
"Jazz is not dead - it just smells funny" FZ ♬
You said "I liked it very much, but there are a few things about it that get under my skin. Absolute genetic determinism (being able to predict the day on which an individual will die of cardiac arrest) completely ignores the influence of one's environment."
I think that point is taken up in Gattaca. Ethan Hawke's character does not accept the 'determined view' of his fate and the main action of the film is, if I remember correctly, set after his genetically determined use-by date has expired. I think one of the strengths of the film is that it shows that it is what we do with our lives that counts, regardless of any genetic strengths or weaknesses that we may have, and that it is sometimes possible to achieve much more than would be expected, and equally possible to achieve much less than would be expected, from an interpretation of one's genetic profile.
And I agree: Gattaca is a very good movie.
David Aiken
I think the same things that bothered you bothered me about Gattaca, but I just chose to just let it go.
The remake of Solaris got a bad rap I think. People who loved the original tended to bash it because it was, well, a remake and a hurry-up abbreviated version at that. People who had never seen the original thought the remake was slow!
They both carry the same powerful message.
Rod
That's the thing that separates the weat from the chaff in my view - when one doesn't keep getting hit with things to just let go. Don't get me wrong; I still really liked 'Gattaca' - I bought it after renting it and have watched it several times since. In many respects, it's the perfect scifi movie - great drama. In all other respects, the plot is cohesive and the concepts being probed are important and immediate.
Believe it or not, I have never seen the original 'Solaris' - a situation I need to redress (and I shall). I rarely care for remakes - they rarely capture the essence of the originals. I have no idea how well the version I saw mirrored its namesake, but I was completely absorbed by it. I suppose it is a love story in a science fiction film, but that aspect of it didn't smack you in the face - part of the charm of having it told via flashbacks. I loved the substory of the quirky crewmember (or is he?(Snow?)) and the actor's performance of it. I'm rambling though...yeah, powerful film.
"Jazz is not dead - it just smells funny" FZ ♬
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