George Clooney Movie:

Editorial Review:
A curious mix of science fiction and metaphysical love story, Solaris centers around Chris Kelvin (George Clooney), a psychologist sent to investigate why a space station orbiting an alien planet has stopped communications. The planet has the power to delve into human psyches and re-create lost loved ones--in Kelvin's case, his dead wife (Natascha McElhone), whom he then wants to bring back to Earth. Director Steven Soderbergh (Traffic, Erin Brockovich) fills almost every shot with faces and bodies, as if to emphasize the human soul rather than outer space as the movie's true subject. Unfortunately, the vagueness of the environment--combined with a script that implies more than it shows--serves to dislocate our ability to engage with the characters, rendering Solaris emotionally inert. Jeremy Davies, as a lingering crew member, brings a hint of humor to the otherwise serious-minded proceedings. --Bret Fetzer

Solaris [Region 2] Reviews:
Thoughtful, Meaningful, and Complex
2009-12-13 - First, it is important to note that "Solaris" is not a movie for everyone. As other reviews suggest, the movie can come across as boring and flat. I found this to be a movie, however, with a lasting appeal that makes a significant impression on the viewer with an interest in deep and complex psychological issues.

A memorable quote from the movie captures, I think, the challenge of reviewing "Solaris": "I could tell you what's happening, but I don't know if it would really tell you what's happening." Put another way, the issues and messages conveyed in this movie are complex and, some might say, buried.

At its essence, "Solaris" addresses the central question of reality -- it examines what is real and what is imagined. Through the use of dark and powerful cinematography, sound effects, and character portrayals, "Solaris" asks the viewer to consider the line between mind and matter.

This movie takes patience and a desire to consider complex topics. For the viewer with such a demeanor and such interests, this is a fantastic movie. Numerous viewings of "Solaris" bring out many nuances of the mind versus matter question. I highly recommend this excellent work.

Compensating factor? Well
2009-12-04 - I have not seen the Russian original film SOLARIS but this American remake struck me as pretty-OK at best, and knowing it is a copy makes sense. However, the MPAA did clear Clooney's butt for a longish sequence. Suffice it to say he is a bear.

The persistence of memory.
2009-11-10 - Somewhere between "2001: a Space Odyssey" and "Alien" lies "Solaris", a psychological drama that had viewers stampeding out of theatres long before its end credits rolled. Too bad, because although the film is certainly cerebral, static, and remote, it is also emotionally intense, well acted, and beautifully shot. The film explores the pain of losing a loved one, the guilt that survivors feel, and the ways that our memories of the dead color our feelings about them. The cynical marketing of this film, emphasizing George Clooney's nude scenes, was perhaps an act of desperation; a studio trying to mass-market a distinctly un-commerical film. And yet, its now cult status is perhaps more in keeping with the film's spirit as a probing look inside the pain of death, a place not everyone wants to visit.

One Vote for the Unthinking Response
2009-10-01 - Previous reviewers have said about all that needs to be said about the content of the film. Clearly there is a difference of opinion, a sharp difference. While no Sci-Fi buff, I have enjoyed many in the long line of such films that began with the experimental French film at the turn of the century (19th to 20th). However, Solaris is a film in which the science fiction aspects are quite irrelevant. They are used only as a backdrop to a man-woman story that could have been put into any setting with slight adjustment.The story itself might have benefited from a supername on the marque; but, through no fault of George Clooney, his presence does not salvage the lackadaisical script and direction. The actress playing his wife, Natascha McElhone, certainly makes one believe she would be missed, the others were simply playing roles with little definition or opportunity for an actor to shine.

Landmark Movie
2009-09-13 - I just find it amazing that Hollywood actually was willing and able to produce such a masterpiece, with most movies there made for minimum amount of brain activity and preferably devoid of any depth.
The Movie capture the essence of the book really well, this is sci-fi at its best and yet a compelling love story. What is real and what is not and how do we define reality, where's the limit between your imagination and the physical universe, this encompasses these endless questions and yet at the same time is an amazing love story about feelings and the human spirit.
I salute the producers for their bravery and all those who had a hand in this masterpiece of love and mistery. I am sure that Stanislav Lem would have approved.
Thank you..