Oh my goodness! You really cant go wrong with Tarkovsky, but to start with i would choose Andrei Rublev, Stalker, or Solaris.
Well, Andrei Rublev, Mirror and Stalker are his greatest masterpieces, imo. Or you could see the (feature) films chronologically. As a starter, Ivan’s Childhood is accessible and rewarding, though perhaps less typical of the full blown mesmerising Tarkovsky of his other films. Tarkovsky isn’t for everyone; some find him too slow and pretentious. Balancing out risks and rewards, i’d say go for Andrei Rublev.
personally I’d start with “Stalker”. “Rublev” and “Solaris” are on the long side. “Mirror” is short but also the least accessible. “Ivan’s Childhood” is accessible and short but not really vintage Tarkovsky. “Stalker” is lengthy but a bit less so than some other films and it tends to move fairly quick. Despite the slow editing, It has a “thriller” atmosphere to it, which makes it easy to watch. The philosophy is largely on the surface and pretty easy to follow, while the chromatic shifts and his use of the color green are beautiful to watch. Not to mention the industrial landscapes, the music score and the soundtrack. It’s been a while since I’ve seen “Rublev” though (have to remedy that) but from what I remember, the epic feel of that picture made it seem longer than it’s actual running time (which is pretty long). Plus it’s just b+w (till the end), so no chromatic shifts or any of that nifty stuff that Tarkovsky is known for. Plus, the philosophy seemed kind of embedded in Russian cultural history that is a bit harder to follow. Also, the full frame transfer of “Stalker” is easier to watch than “Rublev’s” cinemascope, unless you have a huge screen. I’m pretty sure that the Criterion disc is rather shoddy transfer wise; they need to do AR over like they did with “Seven Samurai”. My .02.
Andrei Rublev was the first i saw by Tarkovsky and it made an enormous impression on me, its length didn’t bother me, but yes for some it could be a a drawback, so i agree Stalker would be probably the best alternative
Try watching them in order. By the time you get through Mirror, you will know if you want to watch the rest of them.
Good question, I’ve been meaning to ask that. I’ve only seen “Solaris” (loved it) and didn’t know which one of his I should pick up next
I’m partial to “Ivan’s Childhood” because that’s what I started with and Tarkovsky is my favorite director now. Though “Solaris” would be a good place to start, as would “Andrei Rublev” if you’re a very patient person. “Stalker” and “Mirror” are two of his most accomplished films, but I wouldn’t start there right away. “Nostalgia” and “The Sacrifice” are also very good, but save those for later.
I’d start with Rublev. If you watched There Will Be Blood, you have no reason to feel daunted by Rublev. I wish I’d seen it years ago, it would have made me a much bigger Tarkovsky fan.
I never recommend starting someone off on the “easier” or “lighter” work — although for that matter I find Rublev way more accessible than Solaris. I say start with the best and most representative work of the director.
I’m not necessarily into starting off with the “easier” work as opposed to the best, either. But in my mind, “Stalker” is both and easier watch, AND his best, though it’s the last shot in “Sacrifice” that is perhaps the most quintessential Tarkovsky moment. It all depends on one’s perspective; this is the kind of director for whom it’s very hard to come up with a consensus for what his “best” is. He’s very consistent in quality, but his style changes quite a bit between films. Though they all bear his trademarked “autuer’s stamp”.
and yea, “Solaris” is a deceptively tough watch for a film mostly set on a space station…
I start his films in chronological order and I think it’s not a bad way to start. It’s also good to start with his masterpiece “Andrei Rublev.” I suggest leaving “Nostalgia” and “Sacrifice” to the last because in my opinion, they are the most inaccessible pictures of Tarkovsky. (I love both of them though)
rublev is his most accessible and his best
The only director that I like more than Tarkovsky is probably Kubrick.
My first Tarkovsky was Ivans Childhood. I think its a good place to start off.
Jason, Andrei Rublev, his most accesible?. I found it more difficult to watch as years go by.
My first Andrei movie was Stalker, and to this day remains my favourite film of all times.
Jose, Rublev is a very accessible, earthy drama that catches you up right away in the quests of the individual characters. I said on this site that when I first watched Fellini Satyricon I felt like I was in the ancient world. Seeing Andrei Rublev made me ashamed of that statement. It is the best time machine I have ever seen. It’s visually breathtaking, too.
Sorry Jason, didn’t mean to blow up your spot, lol.
Well, of course we don’t know what the middle ages were really like but i agree Andrei Rublev feels the most credible experience yet. The Czech film Marketa Lazarova is excellent at transporting us into that different world too. As i’ve got older i’ve found medieval paintings and way of thinking more fascinating
I think that many people would probably disagree with me, but if I had to choose an order to watch them in, it’d probably be either chronological (it just makes sense), or I’d choose them in the order of how big they hit me. In that case, I’d choose Mirror, then Nostalghia, then Andrei Rublev, then Ivan’s Childhood, then Solaris, then Stalker, then The Sacrifice. Maybe I loved Mirror and Nostalghia so much because I’d already seen Andrei Rublev, Stalker, and Solaris. It’s hard to tell. I also need to give Stalker another couple chances to sink in. I found it to be his most difficult, but then again this could be because it was one of the first of his I saw which was a while ago. You may need some time to let his movies sink in, just be in a patient yet attentive mood and you’ll be good. I love how great works of art are always there for you when you’re ready, and you see new things in them each time, even decades apart.
Andre
I haven’t seen any of his work and I want to rectify that, but im unsure of where to start.
should I begin with andrei rublev which seems to be accepted as his masterpiece or ivans childhood? or should I go for something like solaris or mirrors?
your assistance will be greatly appreciated.