Stalker (1979), dir. Andrei Tarkovsky

The Wiz RECOMMENDS Stalker (1979)

As gorgeous as it is deliberate, Andrei Tarkovsky's science fiction masterpiece is a film that shares the same distinction as films like The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie and Jeanne Dielman, 23 Commerce Quay, 1080 Bruxelles:

I'm glad I have finally watched it. I enjoyed Stalker. But it's not quite hitting me the way it hits others.

Again, Stalker is quite an astonishing looking film. For a film that is considered science fiction, it surely doesn't feel like it. Scenes of the film are in areas that are real, feel realistic, but have a tinge to it that feels foreign.

That distinctness Stalker creates gives the film an incredibly uneasy feeling that permeates throughout the entire film.

This is also true about Tarkovsky's direction style. The director uses a very slow, pointed means of creating ambience, mood and tension throughout. As the three men go through "The Zone," the film has an unnerving way to make you feel uncomfortable.

But honestly, this direction is also why the film leaves me not as in love with the film as most are.

As much as I do appreciate the deliberateness of the way the film runs, it does seem to go overboard. At a near 3 hour film, the fact that the average cut of a camera shot is nearly a minute is exasperating at times.

Most times, the slow pace adds tension. Others, it confuses. But sometimes, it just leads to tedium.

It's why I would have to say that if you are going to watch Stalker, make sure you are well awake for the 3 hour duration.

Personally, as much as I was fascinated by the film, I did have to stop twice to get something to drink and wake myself up to finish the film.

But Stalker is just one of those films that if you consider yourself a film lover, you must see it. Though I'm not as enamored with the film as some are, it still is a film I'm glad I finally experienced.