Tarkovsky belongs in the pantheon of European art cinema that influenced Woody Allen. The blatant narcissism in this film is explicit in many of Allen's films. But unlike Allen who is a comedian, Tarkovsky had no interest in helping the audience follow the story.
Gandalf: Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.