As a film enthusiast with a penchant for the unusual and a soft spot for slow-burning cinematic masterpieces, I must say that “Stalker” has left an indelible mark on my movie-watching journey. Having initially found its pacing excruciatingly slow during my teenage years, I would have dismissed it as pretentious nonsense if I had given it a chance back then. However, revisiting it as an adult, I was captivated by the film’s haunting visuals and philosophical undertones that resonated deeply with me.
Despite not featuring on the top sci-fi movies list globally, many movie enthusiasts argue that Andrei Tarkovsky’s film, Stalker, is among the finest science fiction movies ever produced.
It’s clear now why it wasn’t included on our list. That’s because “Stalker,” released in 1979 during the Soviet Union, doesn’t share the same captivating opening scenes as “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” or the characters wielding lightsabers like in the “Star Wars” films.
Rather than being filled with special effects, this film is more of a profoundly philosophical piece that lacks the usual fanfare and embellishments, and I find myself drawn to it precisely because of that simplicity. This is why.
Stalker Is A Sci-Fi Movie By Ideas Alone
Let me tell you straight up, “Stalker” is one of the most peculiar science fiction films I’ve ever encountered, and that’s saying something because it barely qualifies as a sci-fi movie in my opinion. The plot revolves around three men venturing into an enigmatic area called “the Zone,” where they aim to enter a room where all their deepest desires could materialize. Technically, it is science fiction since the storyline involves this mysterious journey and the mystical room. However, everything else in the movie (except for its thought-provoking ending) doesn’t really give off a traditional sci-fi vibe.
As a film critic with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that I found the movie to be an enigmatic and haunting masterpiece. The Zone, which imbued the initially sepia-toned footage with its eerie glow, was not particularly striking at first glance – it seemed more akin to a desolate nuclear waste site than a mystical realm. This is perhaps why the director, his wife, and some cast members met untimely ends shortly after filming this movie, lending an air of tragedy and mystery to the production.
To put it simply, I needed two evenings to fully enjoy the 161-minute runtime of the movie. However, I managed to watch Denis Villeneuve’s masterpiece, Dune: Part 2, in a single sitting – it’s a whopping 166 minutes long. Yet, unlike Stalker, which demands a lot from its viewers intellectually and patience-wise (as Tarkovsky is known to have scenes where characters are merely walking for extended periods without dialogue), it wasn’t as challenging.
Regardless, it seems this experience is a mental expedition rather than a physical one into space, and I must say, I find it fascinating precisely because of that aspect.
That Said, I Would Have Hated This Movie As A Teenager
In simpler terms, this movie is mature, and I mean that as a genuine compliment. Though I enjoyed complex war movies like ‘Apocalypse Now’ during my high school years, I mostly opted for light-hearted horror films such as the entire ‘Friday the 13th’ series. Therefore, films like ‘8 ½’ and ‘L’Avventura’, or any black and white films were not on my radar back in high school.
At times, I’d dare to venture into watching “classic” films such as Lawrence of Arabia or Mutiny on the Bounty, only to find myself utterly disappointed! I’d exclaim to the ceiling, “Why is this so painfully slow?” Regretting my decision to watch it in the first place. If I had watched Stalker or even Tarkovsky’s Mirror at a younger age, I would have felt the same way about them as well. As an adult, I found Tarkovsky’s other movie, Mirror, incredibly dull.
As someone who grew up watching movies from different genres and eras, I must confess that “Stalker” is a film that has grown on me over time. Initially, I may have found it too philosophical or heavy for my teenage self to fully appreciate. But as an adult, I find myself drawn to its complex themes of morality and the existential malaise that pervades existence. The fact that it was likely not intended as a commercial work of cinema only adds to its allure. Its boldness and brilliance resonate with me now in a way they never could have when I was younger. In retrospect, I can imagine how I would have found the film overwhelming or even disliked it outright as a teenager. Yet today, I genuinely appreciate (and maybe even love) “Stalker” for its thought-provoking depth and artistic daringness.
The Visuals And Sounds Really Resonate With Me, Despite Being So Sparse
Apart from finding the movie visually appealing, I must admit that its soundtrack is seamlessly integrated, making it almost unnoticeable at times. Yet, this is a testament to the skillful way it’s been woven into the film, creating such an immersive experience that it feels like being part of the story itself – truly remarkable!
Let’s delve back into the visual aspect, as the movie’s unique style stands out even amidst a sea of sci-fi films. Although it doesn’t mimic any previous works, it carries a distinct and captivating essence. With cinematography by Aleksandr Knyazhinsky, the film follows the path of “The Wizard of Oz” by initially appearing sepia-toned, but transitioning into vibrant colors once our characters enter the Zone.
In essence, while the colors aren’t particularly extraordinary, mainly consisting of deep blues and vivid greens, the sudden shifts in color leave a lasting impression throughout the movie. What’s more, the occasional return to sepia tones adds an extra layer of impact, making this change in hues a memorable aspect of the film.
As a seasoned traveler who has explored various corners of the universe, I found myself deeply captivated by this description. The Zone, as depicted here, struck me as a place that was both strikingly beautiful and eerily alien in its essence. This resonance with me is rooted in my own experiences – I have stumbled upon many wonders across the cosmos, but few have evoked such a strange sense of familiarity mixed with disorientation as this Zone does.
In the movie, there’s a well-known scene featuring uneven sand dunes, colloquially called “The Meat Grinder.” Despite its seemingly harmless appearance, the bizarre imagery stirs up your imagination, and I believe this effect is achieved through the film’s subtle and creative visuals and sound effects, which are used sparingly.
Though It’s Really Long, The Slow Pacing Works
Previously, I expressed my dislike for the film “Mirror”, and the main factor behind this dislike is its slow pace. Similarly, “Stalker” moves slowly, taking its time whenever possible.
Though I struggled with the prolonged, leisurely shots in Mirror, they held me captivated in this case. Perhaps it’s because I was utterly unaware of what would unfold next, and the deliberate tempo intensified the foreboding atmosphere that permeated the entire film.
On second thought, I’m not certain if the slow tempo would still appeal during another viewing, but I suspect it might, given that my appreciation for the movie would stem from a different perspective this time around, rather than the initial discomfort experienced. In fact, since the film has been on my mind constantly since watching it, I feel confident that there are numerous aspects I’d admire even more if I were to revisit it.
Ultimately, I Agree That It Truly Is One Of The Greatest Sci-Fi Films Ever Made, But I Wouldn’t Recommend It To Most People
To conclude, I concur with those labeling it as one of the greatest science fiction movies ever made; however, it might not be suitable for everyone’s taste.
The reason for this is that the movie didn’t meet my expectations in the end. Although I can’t reveal the ending, you might leave the theater feeling, “Is that all?” However, contrary to what it may seem, I found it satisfying, despite knowing I likely wouldn’t have if I had watched it in one sitting. This is because it falls into the category of films where the journey matters more than the destination, and I am aware that not everyone appreciates this approach.
Of course, that’s understandable! Without a doubt, Stalker is an exceptional film, especially in the realm of science fiction. However, it’s important to remember that not every masterpiece appeals to every viewer, and that’s perfectly fine as well.
Well, let me share my thoughts with you! I’ve had the pleasure of watching ‘Stalker’ and it left quite an impression on me. If you haven’t seen it yet, I think you might find it intriguing – especially if you’re a fan of thought-provoking sci-fi films. In case you’re curious about future releases in the genre, be sure to keep coming back here for updates!
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2024-08-10 23:07