Since I could not find a youtube video link of Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox’s introducing master Russian filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky’s 1972 science-fiction classic Solaris, readers will have to rely on Cox’s intro transcript (read here). The episode’s original airdate was September 1, 1991 (read here). Once again, not much to add here except that it ranks as one of (If not) the greatest of Tarkovsky’s great films. If any of you readers are interested, here is a link to my favorite Andrei Tarkovsky films (read here).
BTW, a shout-out to frequent visitor Steve (his youtube channel is here) that I just approved his comment under my blog entry regarding my favorite Billy Wilder films. I had just discovered the comment there today. The comment did not show up under my notification feed and I thought everything was fine. Little did I know, the notification for this showed up under my e-mail, but not on here – what’s up with that? Nevertheless, I feel bad that I replied to Steve’s comment so late and I just want to let him know that I will do better in the future to make sure his comments get approved on here right away and not days later. In the future, I will also make sure that I check my e-mail every single day so a mistake like this does not happen again. Once again Steve, I apologize If you got worried on whether your comment was ever going to get approved 🙂 In closing, I just want to let Steve know that I just left a complimentary reply to his complimentary comment 🙂
Here is a youtube video link to the film’s original theatrical trailer
For those that prefer a subtitled trailer, here is a youtube video link to a special showing at the Austin Film Society back in 2018.
cinematiccoffee 
I saw that film on release, and it felt strange, and quite mesmerizing. Have you seen the George Clooney remake? I didn’t get to the end of that one at the time, but might re-watch it.
Best wishes, Pete.
I wasn’t aware the Clooney version was a remake. Not much a fan of George. I wonder if the originial would captivate me?
I love both versions Pete 🙂 Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
Try watching the original and tell me what you think after you get the time to watch it. Nevertheless, I love both versions and I don’t mind Clooney 🙂 Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
Once again I’m in the same boat as Alex Cox as shamefully I know nothing about Russian or Soviet culture. I haven’t seen Solaris although I’m intrigued Alex thinks this film’s ending is better than 2001 – on a conceptual level.
That is perfectly fine Paul 🙂 I personally think that both endings are equal to, albeit different, from each other 🙂 Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
It seems uneven how the electronics operate sometimes, doesn’t it? I get notifications for some responses in email, notifications for others under the “social” tab, which, if I didn’t go in there, I would miss them. Drives me crazy!
Anyway, I’ve seen both versions of these too and enjoyed them both a lot. I saw the original a long time ago, though, and quite can’t remember…was it even weirder than the remake? It was a little more experimental, maybe, than the US version…?
Both were SO strange and creepy. And I understand the instinct to dismiss Clooney, but I thought he did a really good job in the remake. Remember the one scene where (to avoid spoilers, I’ll just describe the person instead of saying who they are) someone appears in his room whom he’s not expecting…and his reaction was fantastic, the way he kind of freezes…then carefully reaches out and grabs the pole or bed post or whatever that is next to him, gripping it, I guess, as he checks reality–is he awake, is he dreaming, is it real? The pole is real, so he pretty much figures out he’s not dreaming.
Interesting premise. Not one I’d willingly choose to be in, lol !!
This seems to be the first time I noticed it, but If it happens again, I will need to figure out what the problem is. Nothing has happened since then, so maybe it was just an isolated incident.
As to which one is weirder is probably a matter of dispute. Despite seeing both of them, it is a hard question for me to answer.
Both were strange as you say though. I also am aware of the scene you are pointing out.
That too is a premise I would not choose to be in either 🙂 Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
I don’t like a “like” button on my end here, for some reason, so…
🙂
Tarkovsky’s Solaris is such a masterpiece. I have been trying to review it a number of times, but I have been unable to find the right words to convey the sheer mastery and beauty that I see on screen.
I know what you mean. Even though I have written a few reviews on here in the past, I sometimes look back at them and say “did I really do it justice?” because films I or you consider masterworks are films that me or you could write essays on because a few paragraphs just does not do it justice. Interesting isn’t it? 🙂 Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂