Andrei Tarkovsky's classic science fiction film is a patient, atmospheric film about three men who journey to a forbidden, remote place where an mystical presence known as "The Room". This is in an abandoned area call "The Zone" where all dreams come true. The men, led by one called "Stalker" carefully cross through the Zone.

The plot doesn't sound like much but this is a rich film. Please note, it is very slow moving, Tarkovsky's eye hangs on to scenes and settings far longer than other directors would dare. His apparent lingering shots are deceptive, at first they may seem intrusive and unnecessary, but his shots and editing make this a intimate movie, allowing us to catch the details and feel of his scenes. This is a unique film; I can't say I have seen anything else like it. But again, be warned, this is not for everyone; you have to be able to sit for long stretches to make it through the whole thing.


Related Reviews:
Another Andrei Tarkovsky movie
Andrei Rublev (1969)


Other Critic's Reviews:
Film Fanatic
Christian Spotlight on the Movies

Labels: Andrei Tarkovsky, film, movie review

Andrei Tarkovsky's awe inspiring masterwork is a pleasure to watch. He displays the brutal life of 15th Century Russia with gripping visuals and patient pacing. The film is a meandering narrative that follows the greatest icon painter of the time. The film seems to capture this period so strongly it seems like the cameras were there, filming in a documentary. Tarkovsky had a talent for touching on the humanity of a scene, pulling riveting moments even from what appears to be mundane conversations. This film is a slow one. Tarkovsky is not about flash and narrative tricks. Many viewers may want to dump out of the thing early out of boredom. I understand the impulse, many modern viewers do sit well with glacially paced, foreign language, black and white movies. The seemingly random scenes, the small scale conversations and conflicts, all may appear to be a collection of meaningless boredom, but by the time the film comes to an end, the whole piece comes into view and I think many will be surprised how much the film sticks with them.

If you're cinematically adventurous or you're interested in the great works of world cinema, this is a absolutely solid pick for you. This is a literate and enthralling film that deserves more attention that it has gotten. It shouldn't be something that just film geeks know about, it should be something to be considered by the broader audience.


Related Reviews:
Classic movies
Le Salaire de la peur "Wages of Fear" (1953)
Double Indemnity (1944)


Other Critic's Reviews:
Decent Films Guide
Combustible Celluloid

Labels: Anatoli Solonitsyn, Andrei Tarkovsky, film, movie review