05-24-2020, 03:46 PM
Stalker. I hadn’t seen this movie in ages. I had forgotten much about it. As such a few recent movies and filmmakers sprang to mind as having been obviously influenced by it. Annihilation is the most direct. But Blade Runner 2049 also is clearly influenced by this film. I’d almost go so far as to say BR2049 has more in common with Stalker than the original Blade Runner. Every shot lingers. Often for minutes longer than would happen in most films. It has a meditative effect and I think that’s what BR2049 was going for (though it was a little too slow burn in that movie for me). The thing about Stalker, though, is we often linger without a clear idea what the filmmaker wants us to be considering. It can try your patience, but if you surrender to it, it can be quite powerful and I could see it making each viewing a unique experience.
But back to Annihilation, sort of. It’s obvious to me that Garland was heavily influenced by this movie. Having also recently watched his TV miniseries Devs, I see thematic similarities there too. Existentialism—or, more accurately, its relative absence in determinism—is much more at the fore in Devs, but it is certainly a theme in Stalker too. In fact, I found myself feeling that ultimately this is a film that challenges the ultimate of existentialism: complete freedom. Or, more specifically, the ability to have whatever we desire. Is the freedom to have whatever we desire, in the hands of humans, a blessing or a curse. This is not a unique theme, nor is it one that is terribly deep. Yet I found it is explored here more effectively than in most movies.
I found Tarkovsky's approach almost antithetical to another filmmaker that I was reminded of while watching. Christopher Nolan is a filmmaker who seems to want to explore larger themes as well. Where Nolan gives us rapid fire, on-the-nose answers to the very questions we’re meant to ponder, Tarkovsky trusts his audience and allows us to stew with these thoughts and never gives us an easy answer. It dares us to be bored without ever being boring.
Allegories abound. Religion, politics, environmentalism, technology. You name it (and spend the requisite time pondering it amidst the many long takes) and you’ll likely find it. It’s not a movie most will watch often, but I can’t help but feel it would be deeply rewarding to do so.
But back to Annihilation, sort of. It’s obvious to me that Garland was heavily influenced by this movie. Having also recently watched his TV miniseries Devs, I see thematic similarities there too. Existentialism—or, more accurately, its relative absence in determinism—is much more at the fore in Devs, but it is certainly a theme in Stalker too. In fact, I found myself feeling that ultimately this is a film that challenges the ultimate of existentialism: complete freedom. Or, more specifically, the ability to have whatever we desire. Is the freedom to have whatever we desire, in the hands of humans, a blessing or a curse. This is not a unique theme, nor is it one that is terribly deep. Yet I found it is explored here more effectively than in most movies.
I found Tarkovsky's approach almost antithetical to another filmmaker that I was reminded of while watching. Christopher Nolan is a filmmaker who seems to want to explore larger themes as well. Where Nolan gives us rapid fire, on-the-nose answers to the very questions we’re meant to ponder, Tarkovsky trusts his audience and allows us to stew with these thoughts and never gives us an easy answer. It dares us to be bored without ever being boring.
Allegories abound. Religion, politics, environmentalism, technology. You name it (and spend the requisite time pondering it amidst the many long takes) and you’ll likely find it. It’s not a movie most will watch often, but I can’t help but feel it would be deeply rewarding to do so.
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