Soviet Director’s Science Fiction Film is Revisited in New Novel
In 1972, Soviet director Andrei Tarkovsky made a science fiction film called Solaris, adapted from the science fiction novel of the same name by Polish novelist Stanisław Lem. This film took viewers on a journey to a distant planet completely covered by an ocean, where scientists at an observation station discovered strange phenomena, including a four-meter-tall naked man. The film’s protagonist, a psychologist, is sent to the observation station to investigate and assist the resident scientists, who are facing inexplicable experiences.
The story takes a haunting turn when the psychologist discovers that his wife, who has been dead for 10 years, appears out of thin air on the space station. What’s more, she is not a ghost, but a human being of flesh and blood, with the same appearance and memories as his wife, but unaware that she is dead, like an amnesiac.
As the story unfolds, it is revealed that the ocean on the planet is a living creature capable of understanding and visualizing the thoughts in the human mind. The resident scientists struggle to make sense of these uninvited “visitors,” leading to an exploration of deep philosophical questions about life, identity, and existence.
Fast forward to present day, acclaimed French author Hervé Le Tellier presents a new novel titled “Anomalies,” which revisits the concept of encountering unexpected beings in an intricate manner. The novel weaves a complex narrative around a group of individuals who find themselves dealing with unprecedented circumstances.
In “Anomalies,” readers are introduced to a series of unusual characters whose lives take a drastic turn after they all board the same flight, only to discover that the plane had previously landed months ago. The characters are then faced with the perplexing existence of extra beings, leading to reflections on how to coexist with these anomalies, and the ethical and existential implications of having to navigate life with the presence of these additional individuals.
Through the lens of literary techniques, the author explores how different characters face these anomalies, ultimately reflecting the unique complexities of their destinies. The stark contrast in how characters confront these unexpected occurrences mirrors the multifaceted nature of human experiences and the moral quandaries that arise when faced with such anomalies.
By using the notion that life and death are mere thoughts, Le Tellier delves into the broader implications of encountering the unknown and defines a new approach to addressing the presence of the inexplicable. The novel cleverly bridges the gap between science fiction and literature, challenging readers to ponder the deeper questions about existence and human nature.
While Tarkovsky’s Solaris and Le Tellier’s Anomalies may exist in different realms and time periods, both works push the boundaries of storytelling to create thought-provoking narratives that transcend the conventions of traditional science fiction.
The unification of these two works serves as a reminder that the exploration of the unknown is not confined to science fiction narratives, but permeates all facets of art and literature, shaping the way we grapple with the profound complexities of being human.