Stalker

[Foxbat]

Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky
Starring Nikolai Grinko, Alexander Kaidanovsky, Anatoly Solonitsyn
Made in 1979
Region 2 DVD
Russian with English subtitles


The Zone is a bleak, forbidden landscape somewhere in Russia. Within this area is a room and it is said that the room has the power to grant the deepest wishes of those that enter. But it is not an easy place to reach and those that wish to navigate the zone must employ the skills of men able to pass through this area unscathed. They are known as Stalkers.

A writer in need of inspiration and a scientist desperate for the truth employ such a man to lead them into the zone. But even with a stalker to guide them, the hazards are great and success is not a foregone conclusion. This is a story with a message: be careful what you wish for……

Flicking between monochrome and colour, Tarkovsky paints us the bleakest of landscapes as we follow the journey of discovery of the three main characters. And as they move closer towards their desire, so the viewer uncovers the complex layers of each character played by these fine actors. Surreal, sometimes confusing, but never dull is probably the best way to describe Tarkovsky’s foray into Man’s dreams and desires.

Strangely enough, being made in 1979 makes it pre-Chernobyl and yet it has the feel of something made after the world’s worst nuclear disaster. One early scene springs to mind: the three men are chatting in a room and, beyond a glass door, the familiar striped chimney’s of a Russian power station can be seen. The zone itself seems to have suffered some holocaust with its ruins devoid of people. A railway line which seems to move large electrical parts around is the gateway to the zone and again provides that sense of post-Chernobyl which, gives it an almost prophetic feel. All this adds to the mystique and makes the viewing of this movie a thought provoking experience.

One to watch if you feel like challenging your brain.

[j. d. worthington]

Will definitely have to track this one down; I quite like Tarkovsky's work -- very impressive: always demanding, visually fascinating, and with new layers to discover with each viewing. Thanks, Foxbat!

[Taltos]

I think, it should be mentioned, that this film is actually based on a novel by the Strugatsky brothers called Roadside Picnic.

I'm ashamed to admit, but I have the film, but have never watched it - an issue which will be corrected soon