THIS film had its 15 minutes of fame due to the fact star George Clooney gets his kit off and lucky audiences get to see his behind.

But it deserves to be seen for so much more as it is a thought-provoking effort from director du jour Steven Soderbergh.

Acclaimed by critics as being a cult classic for the future, it is easy to see why as comparisons to 2001:A Space Odyssey are easy to make.

Dialogue is kept to a minimum and the use of classical music and broad, sweeping panoramic views is prolific. Oh, and it's set in space.

Ultimately, this is a film which really lets you draw your own conclusions as to what actually happens and what it's all about.

And while you may sit through the relatively short running time of 94 minutes with a confused look on your face, there will be a moment of enlightenment when the end credits roll which will make it all worthwhile.

Clooney plays psychologist Chris Kelvin, sent into space to investigate strange goings-on onboard a space station orbiting a mysterious planet.

Crew members are experiencing strange phenomena, including ghosts from their pasts coming back to haunt them.

Trouble is, Chris has some ghosts of his own to contend with, not least the death of his wife, for which he feels responsible.

Setting out to shed the playboy romantic lead image, Clooney delivers a fine performance as a man coming to terms with his past and also his destiny.

The hugely underrated Natascha McElhone is superb as his tortured wife and the scenes they share are revealing of human nature and so very touching.

It is hard work but, like anything that takes a little effort, the rewards from watching this will be great.

SC