Andrei Tarkovsky’s Sci-Fi Masterpiece Is Finally Streaming for Free

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Summary

  • Stalker
    , a classic Sci-Fi film, weaves a tale of faith in a mysterious wasteland with a brilliant but slow-building narrative.
  • Critics were initially divided, but
    Stalker
    is now considered one of the greatest films, appreciated for its deep themes and visuals.
  • The Stalker leads the Writer and Professor to a desired room, reflecting human desires and values, blending simplicity with depth.

As a lifelong cinephile who has traversed through countless realms of cinema, I can confidently say that Andrei Tarkovsky’s masterpiece, Stalker, stands out as one of the most intriguing and thought-provoking films I have ever encountered. This Soviet-era science fiction gem is a true testament to Tarkovsky’s profound vision, and it resonates with audiences even today.

In a casual and clear manner:

Before delving into how Tarkovsky links these three desperate characters to the idea of faith within a dangerous, enigmatic landscape, it’s worth noting that this film has an extraordinary connection with audiences from different eras. When Stalker was initially screened by the USSR State Committee for Cinematography 45 years ago, critical reception was varied, and spectators were initially split. However, over time, its impact on both contemporary viewers and those in the future has proven to be profound.

In keeping with the norm of timeless classics, it wasn’t until much later that the eye-opening science fiction classic found widespread appreciation. This recognition came in 2012 when it was listed among the one hundred greatest films of all time by the British Film Institute. Following this honorable nod, The Criterion Collection re-released the movie on DVD in 2017, featuring numerous special features and new interviews. What’s more, this often overlooked masterpiece can be found for free on YouTube in various editions.

Stalker and Looking for Salvation in the Zone

As a devoted admirer, I’d put it this way: “Stalker” stands out from the norm in science fiction, as it seems to adopt a more naturalistic style. In this narrative, Alexander Kaidanovsky portrays the Stalker, who guides Anatoly Solonitsyn’s character, The Writer, and Nikolai Grinko’s character, The Professor, into an enigmatic, otherworldly realm known as the Zone. It’s rumored that at the heart of this strange place lies a sacred room, said to grant the visitor any wish they can imagine. The Stalker, a man without a true name, has built his livelihood around selling these intriguing secrets to those who seek redemption.

As a devoted admirer, I’d say that each character’s reasons for embarking on this journey serve as the backbone of the film. Yet, director Tarkovsky masterfully constructs a chilling yet breathtaking dystopia for the audience. To create a striking contrast, he portrays the real world in a drab monochrome, while the ‘Zone’, though dangerous on the surface, is vibrant with colors and rich sounds, pulling us deep into its ominous ambiance. The simplicity of these techniques undeniably brings the film’s world to life. However, this editing choice can be interpreted as a subtle critique of Soviet life during that time—a reflection of mankind’s longing to escape from the harsh realities of industrialization and return to nature, untainted by human intervention.

Tarkovsky Uses Simple Men to Represent Desires in Stalker

As they journeyed towards the enigmatic and desirable room, the Stalker repeatedly cautioned his travelers about the persistent, otherworldly hazards they needed to stay vigilant against. For a duration of two hours, spectators were left on tenterhooks, keeping a close watch for the impending perils lurking around every bend. Despite some navigation errors along the way, no overt danger appeared.

Rather than focusing on external conflicts, Tarkovsky primarily explored the contrasting perspectives of the trio as the main source of tension within Stalker. The film’s climax is a thought-provoking blend of philosophy and psychology that delves into human desire, leaving viewers with a perplexing yet captivating ending. Some find it enlightening, while others find it divisive or polarizing.

Although these three individuals might seem straightforward due to their shared values, they each embody distinct aspirations and longings. Previously discussed, the motivations for the Writer, the Professor, and the Stalker joining this expedition differ significantly. As they venture further into the Zone, viewers are treated to an unfolding of these complex characters, experiencing a mix of apprehension and fascination along the way.

yearning for fresh ideas, The Author seeks if the rumored mystique of the chamber can infuse his writings with greater life. Though The Scholar claims he wishes to analyze the room to win a Nobel Prize, in reality, he’s transporting a bomb with a destructive power of 20 kilotons to destroy it, as he doesn’t want anyone with malicious intentions to harness its energy. Despite his reluctance, The Guardian also admits that he has accepted this task due to his desire to aid those whose dreams can only be fulfilled by the chamber. Although he bears an ominous nickname, Tarkovsky subtly plays on the irony later in the movie, when the Guardian dons a crown of interwoven wires on his head, reminiscent of a religious leader’s headdress.

A Tragedy Makes Stalker Even More Interesting

Tarkovsky’s film leaves an indelible impact on those who view it, but it’s also worth noting that he and his wife, as well as the actor portraying the Writer, made extraordinary sacrifices – even giving their lives – to bring this masterpiece to life. According to sound designer Vladimir Sharun, they all succumbed to the same type of terminal lung cancer, a fate possibly connected to the chemical plant near one of the filming locations depicted at the start of the movie.

Apart from the film Stalker seemingly requiring sacrifices, its rich themes have made it resonate with viewers over time. The struggle to maintain belief in an uncertain future, the journey of discovering our deepest desires, navigating societal changes at their onset, and finding fulfillment in simplicity are just a few lessons presented by Tarkovsky. He portrays these moral aspects and more in a surreal, physics-defying setting that is both captivating and thought-provoking. Stalker is an exceptional work of science fiction that I recommend to all fans. You can watch it for free on YouTube or stream it on Max.

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2024-08-02 00:03