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Comment by kamranjon | Hacker News Reader

I've tried twice now to watch Solaris and fell asleep both times - someone let me know if it's worth it! I've seen every other Tarkovsky film and love his work, this one just felt particularly difficult for me.

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You could — at the risk of being burned at the stake by purists — try the other one [0] which is faster paced but touches on the same ideas. Then if you’re really intrigued by that, go back to the original.

[0]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solaris_(2002_film)

I found the 2002 Solaris very moving and would recommend it to others. (And, in case there has been some burning at the stake, I am up-voting your comment.)

The Mirror is one of my favourite films but I always fall asleep 2-3 times while watching it!

I find it so relaxing that I’ve just learnt to enjoy the whole experience and enjoy the dozing as part of the experience of watching the film.

Perhaps the dreamy effect is inducing a magic like experience as if we as a viewer are seeing through a dream

Great to hear that, I'll plan to watch it on those nights that I need to sleep but my brain keep having the best idea ever

You have to approach the movie like sitting down with a good book. Make a day around it! Brew some tea/coffee ahead of time, watch it when you are refreshed and can soak it in. And not just the plot.. but the art of what’s on the screen; how it’s shot. You’ll be rewarded in the end.

The first time I watched it, I fell asleep part way through and woke up at the end. But then I decided I really wanted to watch it, so I immediately restarted it and and stayed awake and LOVED it. I think it's worth it.

Same. Definitely worth watching.

You have to allow yourself to be immersed in it. It's a slower pace than commercial film makers adopt, but the atmosphere builds.

I liked Solaris well enough, but in the end it was far less interesting than say the better Star Trek episodes.

The book is excellent, but I also find that both adaptations drag a bit and can be a boring watch.

I had to split it up into three viewing sessions, but I thought it was worth it.

The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters.

Or mimoids.

When I rewatch Solaris I always skip the first 30 minutes or so (the part on Earth). Makes it a much easier and less slow watch!

It's worth it.

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