Solaris

Published in 1961, it combines scientific speculation with a profound meditation on the nature of consciousness, communication, and the limits of knowledge .

The book offers no explanations (nor does the film, Tarkovsky). Will we ever know what it really means to understand the “other”? Will it ever be clear to us that the other is always a form of life radically different from our own? We are imprisoned by our selfishness, so it is rare.

Stanisław Lem (1921 - 2006, Poland) was one of the greatest science fiction and philosophy of science authors. A doctor by profession, he wrote novels, essays, and short stories. Marked by a critical view of technology and a profound humanism, his work transcends the boundaries of the genre.  He explored themes such as ethics, artificial intelligence, and the fate of humanity. Solaris is his most translated and adapted book. An essential classic of world literature.

« In 1976, the American Science Fiction and Fantasy Association revoked Stanisław Lem's (1921-2006) honorary membership. A “technical” decision that Lem himself attributed to the fact that he had questioned the quality of science fiction published in the United States. In truth, Lem had accused almost all contemporary science fiction of being mediocre, theoretically underdeveloped, formulaic, and trivial. The American case seemed the most serious to him. » in Expresso

Nothing has changed, therefore. That is why, if you want to see the film, you should watch Tarkovsky's version. I guarantee you will do just fine without another dose of Clooney.