S.T.A.L.K.E.R. / Stalker and Andrei Tarkovsky

just curious as to how many people are aware of the fact that the basic premise behind Stalker hails from a film of the same name by Russian genius (IMHO) Andrei Tarkovsky, who also made the original 'Solaris' (much superior to G Clooney's effort)?

I'm always disappointed not to see it mentioned it in reviews, and even more that it doesn't get mentioned in any of the game's own literature

anyway, suffice to say it's a long, thoughtful, film which gives more from repeated viewings, and which those of you who really dig the whole Stalker idea might enjoy

anyone else seen it? if not it's on Amazon etc

Why would they mention it in the review? They are reviewing the game, not the literature it's based off of.

Also, I am aware of this, in fact I believe I read a dev chat or maybe a preview where the devs discussed where they got alot of the ideas for the game.

Why would they mention it in the review? They are reviewing the game, not the literature it's based off of.

Also, I am aware of this, in fact I believe I read a dev chat or maybe a preview where the devs discussed where they got alot of the ideas for the game.

dnuggs40

well, true but normally in a comprehensive review there's a mention of the fact if it's based on a book/film - it's useful background for people, particularly if they're aware of the book/film and are curious to see if there's a link

cheers for the mention of develop chats, i'll try and find those

The movie stalker was based on the short story Roadside Picnic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roadside_Picnic

sorry, edit

The movie was not called stalker, it was called Roadside Picnic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roadside_Picnic

sinjin536

Yup i believe this 2!

The movie was not called stalker, it was called Roadside Picnic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roadside_Picnic

sinjin536

A part of the visual style (I mean the yellow one, like Yantar or the Brain Scorcher) and some aspects like the stories you find out from stalkers is inspired by the film.

The main story, the anomalies and even the Bar are inspired by the book.

[QUOTE="sinjin536"]

The movie was not called stalker, it was called Roadside Picnic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roadside_Picnic

RedDanDoc

correct RedDan, but cheers for the tip on the book Sinjin

interesting it says: "A Roadside Picnic film based on the novel is now in development by Columbia TriStar, to feature John Travolta, with a 2008 release date"

interesting, even if Travolta is a LONG way from being my favourite actor - to me his best film is Pulp Fiction, mainly because Bruce Willis takes him out with an Uzi :twisted:

i've just ordered the Roadside Picnic book - can't wait to read it

just also a comeback on the Stalker film - yes, it's a long film, but it's one of those films, like Solaris (again i'm talking about the original here) which uses that extra time to create a real space and atmosphere, and explore philosophical exchanges between the characters

in other words, it's a mile away from some bloated shmaltz like'English Patient' or 'Titanic'

anyway, i know this is a games forum so i'll shut up about it now, except to say i'm still loving every minute of playing Stalker and it's repidly approaching membership of my own personal 'very best games of all time' status

The movie is more of a metaphysical character study rather than a full blown sci-fi horror like the game. The only characterisation in the game is of the Zone itself.

I watched STALKER, it was a bit slow but still a good movie. If you plan on watching it I'd suggest going with the original Russian dialog with subtitles. The voice over is just that one man and one woman speaking over the Russian dialog in very poorly done English (each for their respective sex). Id' also suggest not watching this movie if you are tired since it could easily put you to sleep. thanatose

Agreed - i've not seen it with voiceover, but just the idea of it sounds awful

Id' also suggest not watching this movie if you are tired since it could easily put you to sleep. thanatose

Happend to me.

I have been meaning to try and chase up a copy of the movie, sounds like a good watch considering i have been completely obsessed and fascinated by the whole Chernobyl incident since i played Stalker.wood_duck

Be warned that it has absolutely nothing to do with Chernobyl. Really, to be honest, it doesn't have much to do with the game. There's only two things they have in common.

1) Anomalies. They don't really exist in the movie. They throw bolts into spaces incase they might walk into an anomaly. Bolts can also be thrown in Stalker for similar reasons. Rather pointless though because unlike the movie, anomalies are visible in the game.

2) Wishmaking. In the game there's a wish-granting stone. This is the main idea to the movie.

i know a lot of you aren't UK-based, but i just found out the film's playing in London 7th March:

http://www.institut-francais.org.uk/content/view/379/62/

and now i will definitely shut up about it... :oops:

[QUOTE="wood_duck"]I have been meaning to try and chase up a copy of the movie, sounds like a good watch considering i have been completely obsessed and fascinated by the whole Chernobyl incident since i played Stalker.GodLovesDead

Be warned that it has absolutely nothing to do with Chernobyl. Really, to be honest, it doesn't have much to do with the game. There's only two things they have in common.

1) Anomalies. They don't really exist in the movie. They throw bolts into spaces incase they might walk into an anomaly. Bolts can also be thrown in Stalker for similar reasons. Rather pointless though because unlike the movie, anomalies are visible in the game.

2) Wishmaking. In the game there's a wish-granting stone. This is the main idea to the movie.

I think the feel of the game owes a lot to the feel of the movie. The gritty grimey eastern bloc browns etc.

The gritty grimey eastern bloc browns etc.

Now that's some good Alliteration if I do say so myself ;)

[QUOTE="GodLovesDead"]

[QUOTE="wood_duck"]I have been meaning to try and chase up a copy of the movie, sounds like a good watch considering i have been completely obsessed and fascinated by the whole Chernobyl incident since i played Stalker.Tyrone77

Be warned that it has absolutely nothing to do with Chernobyl. Really, to be honest, it doesn't have much to do with the game. There's only two things they have in common.

1) Anomalies. They don't really exist in the movie. They throw bolts into spaces incase they might walk into an anomaly. Bolts can also be thrown in Stalker for similar reasons. Rather pointless though because unlike the movie, anomalies are visible in the game.

2) Wishmaking. In the game there's a wish-granting stone. This is the main idea to the movie.

I think the feel of the game owes a lot to the feel of the movie. The gritty grimey eastern bloc browns etc.

The feel of the movie owes a lot to the real Eastern Europe.

Things get happier when it's sunny, though.

I own the movie, it's amazing. You should know the movie is based on a book though, it's called "Roadside Picnic" and is written by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky. The book is also very good.

Tarkovsky is one of my favorite directors.