The P.H. Metric 88/100
Directing: 9/10
The directing is sublime yet minimal, the Hitchcockian long takes are beautiful and really set the tone for the film, in addition these long takes allow for fewer continuity errors and keeps the film on point and in focus. Couple all this with the fact that this film is an art piece the direction truly deserved to be praised.
Acting: 6/10
Acting takes a hit, even though there are very few roles to fill, we can see the actors that are used are not truly in their prime, however Tarkovsky uses this to his advantage and uses their less than stellar delivery to provide an earnest performance that feels natural and powerfully human.
Cinematography: 9/10
I am a sucker for a long take (Rope is one of my favourite films simply because of long takes) and Stalker uses the long take to create a beautifully drab portrayal. Especially near the end of the film the camera lingers reminding you that pain anguish and suffering are not something that are truly expressed in modern jump cut terms.
Editing 8/10
The editing is far simpler in this film than most, this is again due to the long takes. With far less film to connect together it makes it easier to make the edits seamless.
Score: 10/10
The natural tones and sounds are perfectly cued and match the film’s tone perfectly. In turn it is hard to fault a film that uses only natural sounds to highlight nature.
Visual Effects: 9/10
The visual effects are limited to increase the natural aesthetics of the film.
Writing: 9/10
The writing is superb. The tangents that each character goes on are cutting and to the point, but with a poetic essence that rivals a work of literature. The words that spill from the writer’s mouth are by far the best in the entire film and speak of the hopelessness of humanity as well as its desire to continue on.
Production Design 10/10
They shot in legitimately toxic locations for authenticity. How can you fault that other than saying that is insane, but artistically beautiful.
Costume Design 9/10
There is not much in the way of costume designs, save for the military figures, so there is nothing truly to complain about. What is delivered to the viewer is authentic and visually pleasing.
Make-up/Hairstyle 9/10
See costume design.
The Reviews 