What Is to Be Done?

The film centers on the last days of a Soviet cosmonaut, Alexei, who is suffering from memory loss and hallucinations after a mission to Venus. As his mind unravels, he revisits key moments from his past and his relationship with his wife, Elena. The narrative explores themes of memory, love, and the human condition against the backdrop of space exploration.

Andrei Tarkovsky's 'What Is to Be Done?' (though more commonly known as 'Solaris' for its international release) is a landmark of science fiction cinema, widely acclaimed for its philosophical depth and artistic vision. While initially met with some confusion due to its unconventional narrative and philosophical focus, it has since become a celebrated masterpiece, lauded by critics and audiences alike for its profound exploration of consciousness and humanity.

• A profoundly philosophical and visually stunning sci-fi experience.

• Masterfully explores the nature of memory, love, and consciousness.

• Tarkovsky's deliberate pacing and meditative style create an immersive, thought-provoking journey.

Google audience: Viewers praise 'Solaris' (What Is to Be Done?) for its deep philosophical themes, emotional resonance, and hauntingly beautiful cinematography. Many appreciate its departure from typical sci-fi tropes, focusing instead on introspection and the complexities of human relationships. Some find the pacing slow, but the overall sentiment is that it is a deeply rewarding and thought-provoking film.

Grand Prix at the 1972 Cannes Film Festival.

The planet Solaris in the film was depicted not as a conventional celestial body, but as a sentient ocean capable of manifesting the deepest desires and repressed memories of the humans who encounter it.