Solaris (1972 and 2002)

A psychologist is sent to investigate disturbances involving members of the crew at a space station and, upon arrival, is quickly haunted by visions of his recently deceased wife. Andrei Tarkovski's Solaris, an adaptation of Stanislaw Lem's novel is extremely protracted (as expected) and yes overlong, though introspective, beautiful, and stirring with great performances especially by Nataly Bondarchuk. Steven Soderbergh's remake 30 years on has none of the original's patience nor hypnotic qualities, although George Clooney inhabits the lead role strongly and stoicly, and Viola Davis is confident in support.

1972 version: *** 1/2 out of ****

2002 version: ** 1/2 out of ****

My Name Is Ivan

A 12 year old kid, spurned by the murder of his family, assists his fellow Russians fighting off the invading Germans, as he stealthily moves amid the dismal swamps they are defending. Based on a true WWII story, My Name is Ivan (aka Ivan's Childhood) was Andrei Tarkovsky's debut film and like much of his other work it features great imagery and camerawork but is also awfully dense and occasionally dull, although the ending is a knockout.

Stalker

The title refers to a guide who is familiar with a shape shifting, mystical, and highly volatile area known as The Zone, which has been condemned and sealed off by the government. The stalker now leads a dangerous expedition with a scientist and a writer to delve deep into The Zone's magical room, where it is said that wishes can be granted, but the journey towards it will not only test their physical endurance, but also their spiritual sides as well. "Stalker" is a plodding and protracted philosophical film from legendary Russian director Andrei Tarkovsky. While the camera work and direction here are excellent, the movie is overlong, bombastic, and inert. I hate using words like tedious, boring, and the like, especially with a filmmaker as well received as Tarkovsky but while the film is an endurance test for the characters' wills, it was an equally taxing trial of my patience.