Stalker is one of those science fiction movies that is not about the action and adventure of space or the future, but about the mystery of the unknown. Watching it reminded me of The Fountain, not only because of their difficult-to-decipher narratives and symbols, but also because of their incredibly beautiful imagery. Tarkovsky holds the extended shots to their breaking points, and is able to do so because we are so awed by what he is showing. There is much in the shots (and the story and the dialogue) to pick apart and look at in myriad ways. I have a feeling that when I watch this again (and I'm certain I will) the movie will seem to tell a wholly different tale. Similar to The Fountain, the movie is a journey--a philosophical one, a metaphorical one, and at its heart an emotional one.
The basic narrative describes the Stalker leading the Professor and the Writer out of a gray city into the Zone, which houses a room where their innermost wishes will come true. And with such a simple premise comes one of the most complex and engrossing movies I have ever seen. The characters are intricate and diverse, aided by immensely talented acting. The cinematography was absolutely breathtaking, as was the editing and the music. The concept for the story and the directing kept me enraptured. Unfortunately, I did find some of the shots go on for too long. The meaning of the movie as a whole was hidden to the point where it seemed almost nonexistent unless one were desperately searching for it (as the characters within the movie are). Perhaps that is part of the point it's making? The seemingly incomprehensible nature of the film can dissuade viewers, as can the two hour and forty-five minute running time, but the movie can be a mind-blowing experience if you let it be.IMDb link: http://imdb.com/title/tt0079944/