a_gulliver

I recorded this onto VHS when it first aired. First off, the copyright notice in the end credits says 1989 not 1988.

This is very pleasant, though not the best production and the 80's synthesised music score sounds dated now.

But the plot and the humour should keep you going, and I doubt anyone will guess "whodunnit".

The village druids, misogynist ex copper turned crime novelist, mad actor and dotty posh MP's wife are all perhaps clichés but this is all very light hearted and not to be taken too seriously. Worth a look if you can find it, though I can see why it might not warrant a VHS or DVD release - especially nearly 25 years on.

Shame on me for not realisng the 2002 film with George Clooney was essentially a remake of a Russian film made 30 years previously. I ought to have known, I am that sort of person.

So comes December 2009, and Film 4 show both Solaris films. I sat transfixed by the Russian film. Visually it is a thing of beauty, and it is a rare thing - a film which requires input from the viewer. This movie requires you to think for yourself...and some people find that difficult.

I enjoy a rip-snorting entertaining action movie as much as most people, but rare films like Solaris leave me feeling so much more fulfilled. There are ambiguities, not so much loose ends untied as dots which the viewer is required to connect for himself.

Try Solaris. If you find yourself twiddling your thumbs after 15 minutes then its probably not for you. If you find yourself glued to the screen then you know how I feel about this film.