Solaris is a 2002 American science fiction psychological drama film written, directed, and edited by Steven Soderbergh. It is an adaptation of Stanisław Lem's 1961 novel Solaris, and a remake of Andrei Tarkovsky's 1972 Soviet film of the same name. The film stars George Clooney and Natascha McElhone, with Jeremy Davies, Viola Davis, and Ulrich Tukur in supporting roles. Produced by James Cameron and Jon Landau, it was released on November 27, 2002.
Plot The story follows Dr. Chris Kelvin (George Clooney), a psychologist who is dispatched to the space station Prometheus, orbiting the mysterious planet Solaris. The crew of the station has sent a distress call and the commander, Dr. Gibarian (Ulrich Tukur), a close friend of Kelvin's, has died by suicide. Upon arrival, Kelvin finds the two surviving crew members, Dr. Gordon (Viola Davis) and Snow (Jeremy Davies), in a state of paranoia and experiencing inexplicable phenomena. They reveal that the planet Solaris has the ability to manifest physical "visitors" – copies of deceased loved ones from the crew's memories.
Kelvin soon experiences this himself when his deceased wife, Rheya (Natascha McElhone), whom he deeply mourns, appears in his quarters. The film delves into Kelvin's attempts to understand Rheya's sudden reappearance, the nature of Solaris, and the profound emotional and existential questions it raises. He grapples with the replica's authenticity, its memories, and the ethical implications of a second chance at a lost love, ultimately exploring themes of grief, memory, and the definition of humanity.
Themes Solaris primarily explores themes of grief, loss, and the nature of reality. It questions the boundaries of identity and memory, and whether a recreated version of a loved one can truly replace the original. The film delves into the human desire for connection and the pain of separation, set against the backdrop of an indifferent and enigmatic alien intelligence. It also touches upon the existential implications of encountering a force that can manifest one's deepest desires and regrets.
Production Steven Soderbergh, who also served as cinematographer under the pseudonym Peter Andrews and editor under the pseudonym Mary Ann Bernard, aimed for a more intimate and character-driven narrative than previous adaptations. The film was a joint production between 20th Century Fox and James Cameron's Lightstorm Entertainment. Cliff Martinez composed the film's minimalist and atmospheric score, which contributes significantly to its contemplative and often melancholic tone. The visual design emphasizes a sleek, minimalist aesthetic for the space station and its inhabitants, contrasting with the overwhelming presence of the Gas Giant Solaris.
Reception Solaris received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Praise was often directed at Soderbergh's direction, the performances of Clooney and McElhone, and Cliff Martinez's score, which was particularly noted for its atmospheric quality. However, some critics found the film too slow, cold, or emotionally detached compared to its source material or Tarkovsky's 1972 adaptation. Commercially, the film was a box office disappointment, grossing approximately $30 million worldwide against a budget of $47 million. Despite its initial reception, the film has gained a cult following and is often re-evaluated for its introspective approach to the science fiction genre.