“Solaris,” a film by Andrei Tarkovsky, is a film that focuses on the moral ethics pertaining what to do with the “guests” that the characters are met with throughout the film. The “guests” in the film are manifestations that the planet Solaris brings into existence through the characters subconscious. When faced with the “guests,” the characters on the ship don’t know how to handle them, leading to the question on if they really are “human” or not even if they believe they are humans themselves. Many critics argue about what to do with this philisophical question, but one in particular, gives the idea that Kris, the protaginisit, “retains an essentially humanist outlook” towards the subject. Vida Johnson also goes on to talk about the arc of the character, saying how he is given the opportunity to atone and by the end of the story is left in a “moral limbo.”
My view n the story would have to be that I agree with the final decision of the story to get rid of the “guests” permanently. Although the manifestations in the story are thinking they are real people and can “feel” which they probably could, if they are meant to be dead, they shouldn’t abuse the power of the planet to bring them back to life. Also, it seems Kris’ “guest” is the only one where it might of been someone he wanted there or cared for. The other characters seem to not want the “guests” there at all and it would be unfair to force the other ones away but Kris would be able to bring back the one he loves. The one question in all of this that seemed interesting and relevant to all this is the question posed by another scientist aboard the ship, saying how humans don’t need more space to go and explore but a mirror, saying humans need humans. I though this question posed was interesting because it was filmed and shown at a time where nations were pitted at each other in the space race to the moon.
Some of the things about our space exploration questioned in the movie are also talked about by other critics. In one article, the author mentions how in the movie, a scientist states how he thinks we’ve lost our connection with the cosmos. This whole movie I feel is more “unconventional” although it does follow some conventional idea and story lines. Conventially, it does follow the same old story of a roughed love story and both characters faced with trying to love themselves and each other, but end in a way where the female sacrifices herself for the sanity of the main character, Kris. I fee this movie does follow some unconventional themes, mainly with story and politics. I feel most conventional movies focus on a easy to follow story which docent make the viewer have to really think or question, but “Solaris” does something different. In this film, it makes the viewer question philosophy and moral ethics of loving a “non-human” human, something most people would struggle with answering. Although the movie had some things that were questionable and hard to follow, it still made the viewer think and question, something that is hard to find in conventional movies now a days.
I liked your explanation of the movie, but I would have liked it more if you would have explained more about the guest. It is a very interesting story to be honest. I like how you talked about the conflict and about what had to be done to make everything better.
Hey Owen!
I really liked how you analyzed the movie and the opinion that you gave! From the description you gave of the story, Solaris seems to be an interesting movie.
I haven’t watch the film, but i found interesting that you agree with the final choice “to get rid of the guests permanently”. I will definitely watch the film, and when i understand all the plot, maybe I’ll understand your posture.
Thanks for your opinion!
Hi Owen,
This movie is a classic, I’ve always been intrigued with films of Sci-Fi like Alien, THX 1138, and Silent Running. Solaris reminds me of the film Silent Running actually, where man ventures out into space and has trouble keeping insanity and trying to survive.
Hi Owen,
love the analysis of the film, reminds me of the movie Silent Running directed by Douglas Trumbull. The in depth conflict between man and space is a utmost stomach turner when the astronaut(s) lose their sanity.
Wow great analysis! Solaris reminds of the film Silent Running directed by Douglas Trumbull, where a man tries to survive in space without losing his sanity.
I also enjoyed the themes presented in the movie Solaris. I really like the ideas about humanity and if the “guests” were in fact people. I didn’t think about the ending as a way for Kelvin to atone for what happened between his wife and him. I like how eloquently you speak about the film and wish I could mimic that.
Hello Owen,
I found your blog interesting because this movie seems unconventional but has valid points about how people react to things that are “different.” I learned from your post that films add an element of depth when faced with philosophical questions and can make for a more unique story line. You did a great job of breaking down the themes that the movie touched on.
Though I have never before heard of this film, from the way you describe it I would have to agree with your view of the ending. I didn’t know that the film was so strongly influenced by the race to the moon that was occurring at the time it was made, and I like your use of a photo from the film partway through your essay.
Hi Owen,
Thank you for your reply, great post!
Unconventional films are often harder to view since as you mentioned they do not have “east to follow plot lines”. However, the theme Solaris is focused on is a very interesting concept to me, specifically given the fact that the director is of Russian descent, and the philosophical question explored in the movie, relates to the Space Race, that was at its peak during the movie’s production.