Tag: anatoliy solonitsyn

Solaris

Solaris is a 1972 movie directed by Andrei Tarkovsky.

WHAT HAPPENS?

A psychologist is sent to investigate strange occurrences on the Solaris space base. He discovers the remaining scientists have communicated with a mysterious alien intelligence that somehow extracts their thoughts and memories.

ONE LINE REVIEW

Solaris is a moody, patient, spectacular exploration of memory and reality.

THE ACTORS

Danatas Banionis plays psychologist Kris Kelvin – he imprints the character with a heaviness and loss that ultimately drives the movie. It’s a demanding role as Tarkovsky patiently allows his dialogue-heavy scenes to unfold. Much of the movie sees Banionis defending both science and humanity. The emotional aspects of his character evolve once his memory of his former wife materializes into an alien form.

Natalya Bondarchuk plays Khari, Kris’ wife who has been dead for ten years. Her role is fascinating as the character is essentially forming memories into a life form. As Khari, she doesn’t know herself beyond Kris’ conception of her. It’s fascinating to see the different versions of the character appear and interact with Kris. Bondarchuk skillfully navigates Khari’s tenuous emotional hold on her husband.

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The Ascent

The Ascent is a 1977 movie directed by Larisa Shepitko.

WHAT HAPPENS?

Two Soviet soldiers are captured by Nazis. The first, Sotkinov, refuses to cooperate and is tortured. The second, Rybak, is more forthcoming. Their respective actions determine their physical and emotional fates.

ONE LINE REVIEW

The Ascent is a bleak but gorgeous study of survival.

THE ACTORS

Boris Plotnikov is tremendous as Sotkinov, the wounded soldier coming to grips with the reality of a desperate situation. Plotnikov effortlessly displays a range of emotions. He’s timid and shell-shocked before accepting his fate. Suddenly, Plotnikov grows stoic as he physically deteriorates. His final scenes reveal a tender embrace that suggests a spiritual stillness. The performance is subtle yet somehow commanding.

Vladimir Gostyhukin offers a contrast as the ascerbic and hardened Rybak. Gostyhukin layers the character with a cynical edge, which often belies the intense fear he carries. It’s an intriguing character – his instinct to survive clashes with Sotkinov’s acceptance of his fate. The movie’s best scene occurs as Gostyhukin launches into an explosive tirade against Plotnikov, accusing him of expressing hope for their situation.

Anatoliy Solonitsyn portrays Portnov, the Nazi investigator. Solonitsyn is brilliant in his exchanges with the soldiers – he is emotionally numb and a bitter realist given his role. He cruelly rips apart Sotkinov’s morality, suggesting that nothing in the world holds such value.

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