Stalker (1979)

VHS CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  162 Minutes

Rated: PG     

Genre: Drama, Sci-fi

Director: Andrei Tarkovsky

Starring: Alisa Freyndikh, Aleksandr Kaydanovskiy, Anatoliy Solonitsyn, Nikolay Grinko

IMDB Rank: 8.1 /10

Part 1 Time:  66 Minutes 

Part 2 Time:  96 Minutes

Where does the first part end? The Professor (Nikolay Grinko), the Writer (Anatoliy Solonitsyn) and the Stalker (Aleksandr Kaydanovskiy) continue to traverse the ‘Zone.’

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Alight right, go on, throw your nut,” the Professor speaks.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Where are you? Come here!” Stalker states to the Writer and the Professor.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal, the ‘Zone’ is full of hidden dangers, which have yet to impede the protagonists. Will the protagonists safely reach the “Room” said to grant the wishes?

Which part is better? With its long takes and subtle camera movements the film requires much patience as it explores human desire and consciousness. Part two is significantly better as the protagonists reach the mysterious room, only to be faced with dissension.

Academy Awards:  None