This is Tarkovsky’s seminal masterpiece loosely based on Arkady and Boris Strugatski’s science fiction novel, Roadside Picnic.
The film is based on the premise that at some point aliens visited our planet and left behind dangerous and contaminated zones. Stalkers are those that have mastered the art of navigating those zones and plundering their riches. The film deals with a writer and a professor taken into to the zone by such a stalker in search of a fabled room where their innermost wishes can be granted. It is a journey of introspection and changing motives.
This is Tarkovsky at his very best. Although the original version was completely destroyed by the developing laboratory because an experimental film stock was used, Tarkovsky set about re-filming the entire project anew making many changes along the way. He employs no special effects whatsoever relying instead on atmosphere and beautifully choreographed cinematography. A haunting soundtrack compliments the long close up tracking shots and the careful juxtapositioning of black and white and colour shots makes this a landmark film.
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