Welcome, dear readers, to another edition of Sunday Morning Movie! Today, we’ll delve into the profound cinematic world of the legendary Andrei Tarkovsky with his masterpiece, Stalker. In this installment, I am also introducing a rating system to guide your viewing choices: one * for a worthy one-time watch, two ** for a film deserving of revisiting, and three *** for timeless classics that should be part of your annual viewing routine.
Next week’s film: Sweet Movie (Be prepared for some surrealism!)
Reviews of Stalker:
In Session Film shares:
The trio of men represented in the film is crucial: The Stalker, embodying faith; The Writer, epitomizing art; and The Professor, a figure of science. The Professor strives to eliminate potential dangers, treating it as an intellectual challenge. The Writer, in contrast, seeks understanding through persistent inquiry, showcasing an artistic pursuit. Meanwhile, the Stalker embraces faith, attempting to guide others—a process that is both altruistic and, at times, self-serving. His poignant monologue about helping others is unforgettable. Later, grappling with rejection, he weeps with his wife, recognizing that societal divisions hinder our spiritual connections.
Stalker suggests that all three archetypes are essential in the quest for truth: the Artist expresses faith in a deeply human manner, the Professor processes and disseminates knowledge, and the Man of Faith initiates belief. Without faith, there is no hope. Interestingly, the Zone’s lack of modernity signifies that as society progresses towards god-like powers, we drift further from our faith.
Nearly 45 years later, Stalker remains an impressive achievement. It challenges viewers, regardless of their beliefs. Within Tarkovsky’s remarkable oeuvre, it stands as his crowning glory, and one of cinema’s finest works.
Cinemablend remarks:
While Stalker may not resemble typical sci-fi films, its visual uniqueness is striking. Shot by cinematographer Aleksandr Knyazhinsky, the film begins in sepia tones, reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz, before transitioning to vibrant colors upon entering the Zone. Though these colors are predominantly dark blues and vivid greens, the transition leaves a lasting impression, especially as the film often oscillates back to sepia. This artistic choice enhances the Zone’s beauty while evoking an alien atmosphere. Notably, the infamous scene featuring the lumpy sand dunes, dubbed “The Meat Grinder,” captivates with its odd visuals, stimulating the imagination, further enhanced by the film’s subtle yet innovative sound design.
Deep Focus Review states:
Stalker offers an uncanny cinematic landscape ripe for exploration and introspection, serving as a deep search for meaning that audiences have engaged with since its release in 1979. Tarkovsky’s metaphysical epic unfolds in a post-apocalyptic setting that allegorizes belief’s power. Despite its dystopian world, it stands apart from conventional genre films filled with themes of authoritarianism, tribalism, and resource scarcity. Instead, Tarkovsky repurposes familiar tropes to craft a spiritual odyssey seeking both external and existential answers. Whether interpreted as a metaphor for religious faith, a meditation on consciousness, or an exploration of artistic creation, Stalker continues to captivate viewers and inspire artists. As Tarkovsky’s second venture into science fiction, following the brilliant Solaris, it remains uniquely original and resonant with his worldview.
My perspective:
As with all of Tarkovsky’s films, Stalker offers profound insights. I resonate with the interpretation that this film explores mankind’s quest for truth. Initially, the rationalist Professor views the Zone as a menace, logically deducing that it could manifest any deranged individual’s deepest desires. His eventual decision against destruction remains perplexing. The Writer perceives truth as fluid and subjective, which mirrors the Zone’s unpredictable nature that adapts based on the individual’s perspective. The Stalker regards the Zone as an intrinsic truth, with its peculiarities and uncertainties serving as the only constants. Ultimately, there is also the introspective truth, as the Zone reveals the truest desires of those who seek it. But do we truly comprehend our deepest aspirations?
The cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking. Tarkovsky meticulously selected locations, potentially risking lives, as some scenes were filmed in a toxic wasteland. His insightful camera techniques, including the use of doorways and windows to focus viewers’ attention, enhance the experience. The striking scenery invites the imagination to speculate on its significance. This film earns a solid *** rating.
Director: Andrei Tarkovsky
Writers: Arkady Strugatsky, Boris Strugatsky
Notable Actors: Alexander Kaidanovsky, Anatoly Solonitsyn, Alisa Freindlich, Nikolai Grinko
Plot (Spoilers!):
The Zone is a mysterious realm capable of granting dreams, albeit at great peril. Unsurprisingly, the Soviet government has restricted access with guards and barriers due to the potential dangers it poses.
Stalkers possess a unique connection to the Zone, enabling them to traverse through its hazards and lead others to the Room, where their deepest wishes are fulfilled. Two individuals, a Professor and a Writer, have enlisted the Stalker’s expertise to accomplish this.
Their journey is rife with challenges, starting from evading guards amidst gunfire. They must then navigate the Zone’s invisible mazes by gingerly tossing metal nuts tied with cloth ahead of them to trigger traps. Throughout their trek, the men clash over their differing worldviews and confront their personal dilemmas.
Upon finally reaching the Room, a confrontation occurs, leading to raw truths being revealed. Ultimately, none of them enters the Room, returning instead to a dim café outside the Zone.
