SOLARIS (2002)

Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
Written by: Steven Soderbergh
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Starring: George Clooney, Natascha McElhone, Viola Davis
Rated: PG-13

About the film:
A troubled psychologist is called to visit the members of a space expedition orbiting the planet Solaris. Upon his arrival, he discovers strange and unexplained occurrences are threatening their very existence.

Movie Quote:
“And death shall have no dominion.”
Chris Kelvin (George Clooney) in Solaris (2002)

Bible Quote:
“Knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.”
Romans 6:9 (KJV)

Commentary:
The Solaris quote is taken from a Dylan Thomas poem, the title of which is obviously inspired from the Scriptures. Every year, when we celebrate Easter in remembrance of Christ’s resurrection, these words resonate with eternal significance.

It is impossible to overstate the importance of what God accomplished when He raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Death was defeated. There will be no rematch; no best two out of three. The final page of history has been written. It just hasn’t been played out to completion yet.

Death holds no dominion over us because it could not hold Jesus Christ. As we believe in him, our future eternity is assured; our place in heaven is established; and our spiritual rewards are set aside – being stored for us until that glorious day when our Lord returns to gather us together as his church.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. The film gives us much to ponder in terms of the differences between reality and perception. Can we ever know what is real or will our perceptions of reality always affect what we experience?

2. It has been said that the spiritual battle between good and evil is fought in the arena of our mind. How is this illustrated in Solaris?

Michael Elliott
www.screensermon.blogspot.com