• Many of the critics point this out but you really do have to get acclimated and adjusted to the pace of the film- once you do it’s very absorbing
  • Explores, very intelligently, the mysteries of human connection, memory (major Tarkovsky narrative and thematic trait), death, rebirth
  • Called the soviet answer to 2001 but they are very different films stylistically
  • You can see the influences in zemeckis’ contact and obviously soderbergh did a remake
  • Scenes of surrealism, inner demons, existential and religious discussions- a very deep (and difficult)l film
  • From a photography standpoint there are some washed out- almost b/w color segments- it’s tough to fully pick up on the pattern though- even after repeat viewings
  • Also influences in ex machina and definitely in groundhogs day
  • Orthodox artwork and stain glass imaginary is certainly no coincidence
  • A very verbal film
  • One great formal element is the reoccurring shot of the distorted color of the ocean- this shot does lead me to think of 2001 but also later works like melancholia and tree of life– it brings the outer space sequences back home with the pond in the recreated home in his back yard. It’s a difficult to grasp finale of the melding of the two worlds and how they’re intertwined
  • Strong formal opening and closing- algae in water
  • Middle of the top 10 of 1972
  • Highly Recommend/ Must-See border