It’s genius Jim, but not as we know it.

I have long resisted watching Solaris the remake of the 1972 film from Andre Tarkovski, Solyaris. Let’s face it, Solyaris is one of the few category “A” films of pure genius.

The 2002 film, although starring George Clooney, seemed to fit the recent Hollywood vogue for re-making perfectly good (and great) films (e.g. The Italian Job, Get Carter) and which seemed to show a lack of confidence or ability to create and shape original material. It does a damn good job, though, of capturing the feel and mystery of the original film, right down to the sound design, but the essential query remains: Why? Why was it necessary to remake the original? Can’t people read subtitles. Ah, Ok, I’ve got it. Due to our fantastic modern education systems, people cannot read. Sorted. I still prefer Solyaris, but I can read.

And I like films where Suddenly nothing happens. I think that also, Hollywood, and many modern film makers, are afraid of giving people time to think. So here is the moral. Trust Your Audience.

Best quote from the remake: “The Pope is a wonderful woman”. Enjoy.

~ by @mmonyte on April 13, 2008.