Solaris (2002 film)
| Solaris | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Steven Soderbergh |
| Screenplay by | Steven Soderbergh |
| Based on | Solaris by Stanisław Lem |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Peter Andrews |
| Edited by | Mary Ann Bernard |
| Music by | Cliff Martinez |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | 20th Century Fox |
Release date |
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Running time | 99 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $47 million |
| Box office | $30 million |
Solaris is a 2002 American science fiction drama film written for the screen and directed by Steven Soderbergh, produced by James Cameron and Jon Landau, and starring George Clooney and Natascha McElhone, with Jeremy Davies, Viola Davis and Ulrich Tukur in supporting roles. It is based on the 1961 science fiction novel of the same name by Polish writer Stanisław Lem. Reflecting on Andrei Tarkovsky's critically acclaimed 1972 film Solaris (which was itself preceded by a 1968 Soviet TV film), Soderbergh promised to be closer in spirit to Lem's novel.
The film is set almost entirely on a space station orbiting the planet Solaris, adding flashbacks to the previous experiences of its main characters on Earth. The protagonist, Dr. Chris Kelvin, struggles with the questions of Solaris's motivation, his beliefs and memories, and reconciling what was lost with an opportunity for a second chance.
Produced by Lightstorm Entertainment, Solaris was released by 20th Century Fox on November 27, 2002. Despite positive reviews from critics, the film was a box office failure, only grossing $30 million worldwide on a budget of $47 million.