Solaris (1972) – Filming Locations
Drama / Science Fiction / Mystery · Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky · Starring Donatas Banionis, Natalya Bondarchuk
A psychologist is sent to a space station orbiting a planet called Solaris to investigate the death of a doctor and the mental problems of cosmonauts on the station. He soon discovers that the water on the planet is a type of brain which brings out repressed memories and obsessions.
Where was Solaris filmed?
- Tbilisi, Georgia, Tbilisi – Opening sequences showing Earth landscapes and human environments before the space station. Tarkovsky filmed in Tbilisi to capture authentic Soviet-era urban environments and the cultural texture of Earth before the protagonist's journey to space
- Moscow, Russia, Moscow – Establishing shots of Soviet life and the protagonist's departure from Earth. Moscow locations ground the film in Soviet reality and provide contrast to the alien environment of the space station
- Tallinn, Estonia, Tallinn – Earth exterior sequences showing landscapes and human civilization. Tarkovsky used Tallinn's Baltic architecture and landscapes to establish the philosophical and aesthetic foundation of Earth before the protagonist enters the isolated space station