“Solaris” (dir. Andrei Tarkovsky, 1972) – A Prophetic Vision of Humanity and Technology
Image Credit: Kanopy
Ahead of IndieWire’s upcoming list of the 100 Best Movies of the 1970s, Christian Zilko offers a compelling look at Andrei Tarkovsky’s 1972 masterpiece, “Solaris.” The film’s relevance resonates powerfully today, especially in an era defined by rapidly advancing artificial intelligence.
“Solaris” stands apart in the science fiction genre for its critical examination of scientific pursuit. It doesn’t glorify finding; rather, it questions the value of science itself. The narrative unfolds as a team of scientists is plagued by unsettling phenomena while studying the ocean planet Solaris. A psychiatrist is dispatched to assess the mission, tasked with perhaps shutting it down due to the crew’s deteriorating mental states and reports of disturbing hallucinations.
Upon arrival, the psychiatrist confronts a reality where the boundaries between perception and illusion blur. Despite knowing the unreliability of what he witnesses, he succumbs to a powerful hallucination – a recreation of his deceased wife. This experience leads him to compromise his scientific objectivity,prioritizing a comforting illusion over professional duty. Tarkovsky presents this as a profoundly human vulnerability, suggesting that even the most rational individuals are susceptible to emotional needs.
The film delves into the inherent conflict between the ideals of science and the flawed nature of those who practise it. Recurring themes in Tarkovsky’s work – the existence of unknowable truths, the limitations of analytical thinking, and the spiritual dimension of experience – are all prominently featured. “Solaris” suggests that certain mysteries are best left unexplored, and that the pursuit of metaphysical understanding often stems from personal brokenness.
In a world increasingly captivated by technological innovation, “Solaris” offers a timely warning. As society edges closer to developing technologies with potentially destructive consequences, the film’s central message – “We’re in the foolish human predicament of striving for a goal he fears, that he has no need for” – serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cautious reflection.
Currently available for streaming August 8.
Also streaming this month:
– “Closer” (8/8)
– “The Feeling that the Time for Doing Something Has Passed” (8/15)
– “The Killer” (8/29)
