DVD review Solaris (From Barry And District News)

DVD review Solaris

GEORGE Clooney has cast aside his self-assured swagger and confident one-liners for his new movie, Solaris.

Taking the role of psychologist Chris Kelvin, Clooney does well to put across an impression of a man worn down by personal and professional woes.

When he is required to travel across the galaxy to a newly discovered planet, which is under investigation, Kelvin accepts the task.

But although he has to discover the root of the crew's misfortunes, Kelvin himself starts to experience the powerful grip of the mysterious new star.

Natascha McElhone plays Kelvin's wife Rheya.

Without spoiling the film, it's a major surprise when she appears on the space shuttle with Kelvin and the two crew members, Gordon (Viola Davis) and Snow (Jeremy Davies).

This is a dark and slow-moving flick, with very few highlights.

It is not one for the impatient viewer. In fact, it can seem deathly boring.

The film is deep (if a little too deep, almost to the point of confusion on some occasions) and requires the audience to play close attention.

If you want to be sure how you're spending your hard-earned cash, rent the DVD first.

But, if you really want to understand the plot, it might be advisable to make a commitment and buy it.