The Phenomenon of the Transcendent in A. Tarkovsky’s Film “Solaris”

Films by A. Tarkovsky are often called prophetic. In the incessant hustle of modern life, characterized by a relentless pursuit of material knowledge, humanity tends to overlook the necessity of self-discovery and spiritual development, as well as the intrinsic value of human relationships. Tarkovsky asserts the existence of the irrational and the transcendental, elements that lie beyond the confines of human mind. The director’s mastery is evident in his ability to weave together multiple interconnected narrative threads. Similar to his other cinematic works, such as “Ivan’s Childhood” and “Mirror”, the film “Solaris” is deeply intertwined with religious themes. It raises a plethora of issues, including loneliness, egoism, indifference, and alienation. The space station, portrayed as a perfect entity, exerts a profound influence on its inhabitants, guiding them towards a path of spiritual reformation. The aim of this study is to elucidate the phenomenon of the transcendental through the life experiences of the film’s heroes, their processes of self- knowledge, and their moral and spiritual education within the context of the space station. The historical-philosophical and dialectical methods employed in this analysis facilitate a deeper understanding of the dramatic struggle of the human personality in its quest to understand the Universe through the lens of scientific advancement.