July 14 Tarkovsky's Fin de Cinema

Andrei Tarkovsky (1932-1986) is a filmmakers' filmmaker. His poetic features incorporate long shots, the opposite of current style, spiritual themes and metaphysical imagery. (As a side note, long shots return in 3d cinema) American audiences may be aware of his work by way of the remake (2002) of Solaris, originally filmed by Tarkovsky in 1972. Tonight Holocene presents Tartovsky's Stalker (1979) with a live score performed by Grouper, Golden Retriever, Ghosting and DJ Yeti. They are well matched to this film. Stalker is the story of three men's grappling with "The Zone". in the film, The Zone is a forbidden and abandoned overgrown landscape of miles, fenced and guarded by the government. Is it contaminated by radiation or industrial waste? The site of an alien visit? No one knows. The Professor and The Writer hire the guide, Stalker, to elude the guards and take them into the zone. They believe there is a room there which can grant any wish. Stalker is reluctant because of the danger. The previous Stalker, Porcupine, who taught Stalker the way, met a tragic end along with his family. But he is drawn to accept, to satisfy his own metaphysical needs. It is a very slow film, with wandering dialog, presented tonight in subtitles. The film uses black and white and color, color for shots in The Zone suggesting the characters' heightened awareness. 163 minutes long, so think of it as a dream. At Holocene www.holocene.org 1001 SE Morrison Doors and Yeti, 8PM; film commences 9. $3