merzbau
Active Member
- Local time
- Tomorrow 9:35 AM
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2009
- Messages
- 239
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stalker_(film)
quite an interesting film, this. i had fun dissecting the different layers and themes around the three characters and the mysterious secret zone. here is my interpretation:
the three characters are representations of the three great men of wisdom, and their progress in our civilisation to reach some "zone" of ultimate gnosis; away from mortality, away from suffering to utopia and resolution.
first, the scientist, the man of reason, who is striving to understand the universe by it's logical mechanics and laws, but uses the cloak of curiousity to stamp his name upon history's page as discoverer/conqueror of nature.
second, the philosopher, who is headstrong and considers himself endowed with the meaning of existence, being a man of thought and learning, but who is just as hollow and desperate as the rest of us when it comes to self knowledge.
finally, we have the stalker, the savior figure who is a representation of prometheus - the bringer of enlightenment, who steals the fire from the gods, leads the world towards understanding. this is why he is known in the film as "serpent," as in the antideluvian snake that made adam and eve aware of their own selves.
initially, the man of reason and the man of philosophy both follow the savior, as they know their understanding is limited, but the more they learn on their journey, the more confident they become, until they reach the point of enlightenment, only to turn away because they become frustrated and stunted. sidetracked, they do not want to know what lies beyond the threshold of existence. they are distracted.
the philosopher does not evolve, because deep down he knows he needs the approval of others for validation, which makes him hate himself.
the scientist does not evolve, because he feels that if he does not understand the zone, someone else will steal his discovery, and so he tries to destroy it.
the stalker does not evolve, because he doesn't understand why people always turn away, why they refuse the gift he brings them. frail and confused, he is cast aside by the others who have no sympathy.
each one of these form a metaphor for our civilisation. tarkovsky sees it sidetracked by the three men of wisdom, who despite their promises, have been unable to give our society direction, purpose, or happiness.
quite an interesting film, this. i had fun dissecting the different layers and themes around the three characters and the mysterious secret zone. here is my interpretation:
the three characters are representations of the three great men of wisdom, and their progress in our civilisation to reach some "zone" of ultimate gnosis; away from mortality, away from suffering to utopia and resolution.
first, the scientist, the man of reason, who is striving to understand the universe by it's logical mechanics and laws, but uses the cloak of curiousity to stamp his name upon history's page as discoverer/conqueror of nature.
second, the philosopher, who is headstrong and considers himself endowed with the meaning of existence, being a man of thought and learning, but who is just as hollow and desperate as the rest of us when it comes to self knowledge.
finally, we have the stalker, the savior figure who is a representation of prometheus - the bringer of enlightenment, who steals the fire from the gods, leads the world towards understanding. this is why he is known in the film as "serpent," as in the antideluvian snake that made adam and eve aware of their own selves.
initially, the man of reason and the man of philosophy both follow the savior, as they know their understanding is limited, but the more they learn on their journey, the more confident they become, until they reach the point of enlightenment, only to turn away because they become frustrated and stunted. sidetracked, they do not want to know what lies beyond the threshold of existence. they are distracted.
the philosopher does not evolve, because deep down he knows he needs the approval of others for validation, which makes him hate himself.
the scientist does not evolve, because he feels that if he does not understand the zone, someone else will steal his discovery, and so he tries to destroy it.
the stalker does not evolve, because he doesn't understand why people always turn away, why they refuse the gift he brings them. frail and confused, he is cast aside by the others who have no sympathy.
each one of these form a metaphor for our civilisation. tarkovsky sees it sidetracked by the three men of wisdom, who despite their promises, have been unable to give our society direction, purpose, or happiness.