Stalker

Audience Reviews

View All (1000+) audience reviews

Virgo V Stalker is a 1979 Soviet science fiction film directed by Andrei Tarkovsky with a screenplay written by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky, loosely based on their 1972 novel Roadside Picnic. The film tells the story of an expedition led by a figure known as the "Stalker" (Alexander Kaidanovsky), who guides his two clients, a melancholic writer (Anatoly Solonitsyn) and a professor (Nikolai Grinko), through a hazardous wasteland to a mysterious restricted site known simply as the "Zone," where there supposedly exists a room which grants a person's innermost desires. The film combines elements of science fiction and fantasy with dramatic philosophical and psychological themes. The film was initially filmed over a year on film stock that was later discovered to be unusable and had to be almost entirely reshot with new cinematographer Alexander Knyazhinsky. Stalker was released by Goskino in May, 1979. Upon release, the film garnered praise in the Soviet and Warsaw Pact press, but only mixed reviews in the West, but in subsequent years it has been recognized as one of the greatest films of all time, with the British Film Institute ranking it #29 on its 2012 list of the "100 Greatest Films of All Time." Here are some positive reviews of the 1979 film Stalker: Visually stunning Some say the film's photographic colors and landscapes are mesmerizing. Others praise the film's striking sepia images and sense of tactility. Complex and psychological Some say the film is a complex, psychological science fiction film that's similar to The Andromeda Strain, Solaris and 2001: A Space Odyssey. Powerful message Some say the film has a powerful message about people losing their faith and becoming cynical. Experimental score Some say the film's experimental score by Eduard Artemyev is remarkable, combining musicalized noise with snatches of music. Unforgettable images Some say the film draws unforgettable images and philosophical musings from its sci-fi/thriller setting. Slow motion Some say the film is a powerfully slow motion picture that lets the viewer soak in the atmosphere of the moment. Masterful mix Some say the film's mix of science fiction and horror suspense elements is masterful. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/05/25 Full Review Aaron D A movie that is meant to be understood however you choose to understand it. I saw in the three men theist, atheist, and agnostic. The Zone, religious ground meant to be respected. The Meteorite, the messiah come and/or the presence of divinity in the physical. The heavily guarded outposts are society attempting to control values and conditions that supersede the mere physical. Fantastically shot, intimately acted, and a film that is ageless, I will rewatch this one day to see it with fresh eyes. An experience meant to be felt more than watched and a journey that feels like you are right their trodding along with the trio. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/30/24 Full Review Alejandro E One of the flagship works of Soviet cinema. The plot about men whose mission seems to be heading for failure has something that captures our curiosity as viewers, and leaves us with many questions at the end, as a way of reflection. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 11/24/24 Full Review Free S Worst movie ever! Very far from original story by Strugacki bros. Tarkovsky maybe is a genius, but definitely not here! Hi turned very interesting story into incredibly boring waste of film! Rated 0.5/5 Stars •  Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 11/11/24 Full Review Audience Member C h e e k i B r e e k i Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/02/24 Full Review Dane M STALKER, and the book that it's based on, Roadside Picnic, are some of the few pieces of fiction that I would consider "important" to a person's understanding of history and philosophy. They are unique and exquisite examples of sometimes-banned Soviet Russian science fiction that the USSR spent years trying to prevent the publication of or edit into effective oblivion. Despite this, the book and film remain completely intact in their content and message. As a work of fiction, it tells a story in desperately stark drama with deeply subtle satire about the realities of life under an oppressive regime. The story dives into the need to find an escape from a dreary life--no matter how terrifying, tantalizing, or horrible that escape may be. It contrasts the quietude of self with the noise of the outside world. I strongly recommend this movie (and the book, as well as the resulting video game series) to science fiction fans, and anyone who is interested in history or philosophy. It's a slow-burning story (as many old movies are), but well worth the time it takes to watch it. After you've finished, I encourage you to read about the story of how the movie was created and the aftermath thereof; it will surely blow your mind for a second time. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/24/24 Full Review Read all reviews

Stalker

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW

Most Popular at Home Now