More on films. On comparing films, in fact. Yesterday we watched Solaris. The original Russian from the 70s, directed by Andrey Tarkovsky. Some time ago I watched the American 2002 version with George Clooney. So I can compare... main difference : the Russian version is of Kubrickniesque dimensions and perspective. The Clooney version is a mid-week tv film watched by Clooney's fans.


Russian Solaris goes on for approx 160 minutes. Lots of silences. Lots of slow movements of the camera. And frankly, if you do not fall asleep and avoid the never-ending shots of Solaris' sea (by fast-forwarding!), you will get a deeper understanding of what's going on. The Clooney Solaris will make it easier for you to understand. But will you understand the same? Is the philosophy the same? I think not.
Clooney Solaris deals with suicide and guilt. Russian Solaris deals with that. And more. Humanity. What makes us human? Is it love? Is it suffering? Is it sacrifice? Or a combination of all the above? Or nothing like that? Plus references to Don Quijote, Dovstoievsky,Tolstoi. You don't get that in Clooney Solaris, eh?


True, the Russian Solaris actors are plainer. Normal, very normal people. And they dress 70s-like. But who cares. Are we not getting too much used to the beautiful people in the movies? No wonder real people seem then ugly!
Watch Tarkovsky's Solaris. But be patient. VERY patient!... I confess I fell asleep for 15 minutes. Although it happened during a never-ending trip driving to the city. Must have lasted about 15 minutes and did not miss anything relevant (I hope).


Finally, the weather....
Mostly Cloudy
17°C
UV Index: 3 Low
Wind: From the Northwest at 7 mph
Dew Point: 10°C
Humidity: 63%
Visibility: Unlimited
Barometer: 1,012.9 mb