
Film: Stalker
Enter the ‘Zone’, where it's presumed there’s an escape from the decrepit and cold while tight on security, of post-cold war in Russia. Where only one man named 'stalker' can get you out, to a supposed promised land called The Zone In this classic multi-genre Russian masterpiece.
Stalker works on the basis of a dream-like story of a mystical room within a cordoned-off wasteland at the heart of run-down society. Outside of this there is talk of the ‘Room' within the Zone, is supposed to fulfil the wishes of anyone who goes there, others believe its heaven on earth, however, this is a very difficult place to approach and requires a guide (or ‘stalker’) to help reach it. The film follows the progress of one stalker and his two latest customers (a scientist and a writer). The three newly acquainted but damaged souls must put philosophical disagreements aside and trek through the unforgiving landscape to get to the the Zone.
The film begins in black-and-white, which brings out the darkness of a disturbed city. Slow shots give you better a view of everything that’s wrong. The Zone, despite being questionable, does sound like a great idea for the lives of these people that we meet. After avoiding the futuristic authorities, by using a push cart on the heavily closed off train station they manage to escape. Thus follows a long tracking shot of their escape, which is extremely moving as the camera pans back and forth between the three escapees showing their emotions of regret and triumph - after all the room in the Zone could not exist, and could be a fairytale to raise the hopes the lost people of the dying city they just left. As soon as the track runs out, and its back on foot, the film kicks to colour, and begins the second act which now looks harder than the first. The journey is just one of the problems, as the three characters from different backgrounds argue and dispute over their different beliefs, as they start to question the bigger picture.
The writer simply known as the ‘Writer’ is talkative and excited, and believes in the Zone and just wants to get there. The scientist is more concerned with his bag than the journey. Stalker himself is quiet and only speaks from a distance, and strays away from getting involved in conversations he overhears. The film feels like a dream, or dream sequence comparable to the likes of a David Lynch film. The poetic long shots, the battle between light and dark in its cinematography - every scene is a work of art and the minimalist soundscape and very heavy dialogue complement the visuals very well. The film's setting is a major component of its themes. Tarkovsky makes a point in this film, and unlike many art films, the point is really not very open to interpretation. It is also a little surprising given the content of most of the film.
Stalker for some might be a hard watch, and almost as wrenching as the journey for the characters of the film. Like all journeys, they lead somewhere, and for this particular one, the narrative works like a spiritual guide, and during a day's journey through the Zone. Deeply philosophical themes of human desire and meaning are addressed, leaving the viewer with a lot to think about, both during and after the movie.
Fan: Brett Stone
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