A space mission that could reveal man?s destiny is jeopardized by a malfunctioning shipboard computer. A dazzling journey that tops them all ? and showed the way for other effects-packed films that followed.When Stanley Kubrick recruited Arthur C. Clarke to collaborate on “the proverbial intelligent science fiction film,” it’s a safe bet neither the maverick auteur nor the great science fiction writer knew they would virtually redefine the parameters of the cinema experience. A daring experiment in unconventional narrative inspired by Clarke’s short story “The Sentinel,” 2001 is a visual tone poem (barely 40 minutes of dialogue in a 139-minute film) that charts a phenomenal history of human evolution. From the dawn-of-man discovery of crude but deadly tools in the film’s opening sequence to the journey of the spaceship Discovery and metaphysical birth of the “star child” at film’s end, Kubrick’s vision is meticulous and precise. In keeping with the director’s underlying theme of dehumanization by technology, the notorious, seemingly omniscient computer HAL 9000 has more warmth and personality than the human astronauts it supposedly is serving. (The director also leaves the meaning of the black, rectangular alien monoliths open for discussion.) This theme, in part, is what makes 2001 a film like no other, though dated now that its postmillennial space exploration has proven optimistic compared to reality. Still, the film is timelessly provocative in its pioneering exploration of inner- and outer-space consciousness. With spectacular, painstakingly authentic special effects that have stood the test of time, Kubrick’s film is nothing less than a cinematic milestone–puzzling, provocative, and perfect. –Jeff ShannonWhen Stanley Kubrick recruited Arthur C. Clarke to collaborate on “the proverbial intelligent science fiction film,” it’s a safe bet neither the maverick auteur nor the great science fiction writer knew they would virtually redefine the parameters of the cinema experience. A daring experiment in unconventional narrative inspired by Clarke’s short story “The Sentinel,” 2001 is a visual tone poem (barely 40 minutes of dialogue in a 139-minute film) that charts a phenomenal history of human evolution. From the dawn-of-man discovery of crude but deadly tools in the film’s opening sequence to the journey of the spaceship Discovery and metaphysical birth of the “star child” at film’s end, Kubrick’s vision is meticulous and precise. In keeping with the director’s underlying theme of dehumanization by technology, the notorious, seemingly omniscient computer HAL 9000 has more warmth and personality than the human astronauts it supposedly is serving. (The director also leaves the meaning of the black, rectangular alien monoliths open for discussion.) This theme, in part, is what makes 2001 a film like no other, though dated now that its postmillennial space exploration has proven optimistic compared to reality. Still, the film is timelessly provocative in its pioneering exploration of inner- and outer-space consciousness. With spectacular, painstakingly authentic special effects that have stood the test of time, Kubrick’s film is nothing less than a cinematic milestone–puzzling, provocative, and perfect. –Jeff Shannon
Buy “2001: A Space Odyssey “ For Only $14.71
January 3, 2006
#1
Could someone please tell me what the big deal is about this movie, please? I do enjoy Stanley Kubrick a great deal, Dr Strangelove, The Shining, Clockwork Orange, Eyes Wide Shut, all great movies. But this movie is called a “Space Odyssey”, it was an odyssey I stayed awake while I watched it, or didn’t kill myself. I already know that I am going to be abased by “film buffs/experts in film history” about my review of “this fine cinematic masterpiece”. Consequently, whenever someone states they are an “expert in film history/film buff” it is just euphuism for “my opinion is better than yours and you don’t know any better.” Now we have a two disc edition, as if the movie by itself isn’t long enough, we now have all extras. I think I have discovered a way to reduce crime in the world, show the violators of law the two disc special edition of “2001: Space Odyssey”. I bet within three months there will be less crime.
There are some positive aspects of this movie, honestly. The cinematography in this film was wonderful, the music was amazing, the special effects were great (for 1968), but come on the story was very weak. I mean I did get the point about man, where he was, where he has been and where he is going, and all that fun stuff. However, did there really need to be ten and fifteen minute gaps with no dialogue!! Rather there would just be this classical music played at these silly points that never really seem to fit. “Look Sally it is a pen floating in the air!” There was not a single word spoken the first twenty-five minutes of the movie, just cheesy primates!!! “Are they monkeys or are they people dressed in really bad monkey costumes?” This movie could have had the same effect in an hour less, even ninety minutes less.
The characters were pointless and shallow. I think a great word here to use kids is moot. Then there is the super computer Hal 9000. I just love Hal 9000 “Dave, Dave”. Drop a rock on my skull. The movie needed to focus on one aspect and stick with it. Too much trying to be “artistic” that it missed whatever point it was trying to make. I also loved the big black “surf board” that was the link to our past, present and future. I thought that was the economy that did that.
If you try and tell someone this movie was poor in quality they get bent out of shape. If someone tells you they like this movie I can accept that…maybe….not likely…, but if they tell you they enjoyed it because they feel the power of the film, then they are full of #@*! It is almost like people hear that “2001: Space Odyssey” is a great movie and therefore when they watch it they must conform or they’ll be gunned down. Citizen Kane is another movie that shouldn’t be accosted or the result is heresy. I will give you the 4-1-1, Citizen Kane sucked too!
When witnessing “2001: Space Odyssey”, I felt like I was watching a two hour and thirty minute screensaver, after it goes for a bit the computer turns off. Sort of like my mind watching this tomfoolery disguised as marvelous motion picture. I think it would be fun to play a drinking game (alcohol will be needed) while watching this movie. The game is this; only put your mixed drink/beer/straight liquor down when there is a scene with dialogue. Unless a person has a stomach of steel and strong endurance, they will be trashed within the first fifteen minutes of regulation. As a matter of fact, I am pretty sure your sofa will look a lot like a space station and your living room another planet by the time you are done watching 2001 and playing this game.
In all honesty, “2001: Space Odyssey” is one of the first space movies that was ahead of it’s time in a technical aspect, with regards to special effects and camera work. However, if you want some great science fiction watch the “Star Wars” saga. As for a science fiction film that has a philosophical vibe to it, watch the original “Solaris”. Hell the remake with Clooney (which is honestly a great film) is light years better (pun intended) than this languid drivel!!!!!
January 3, 2006
#2
“2001″ is the most boring SF film of all time. If it had been edited to a 15 minute film, including the docking of the Earth-to-space ship with the artificial satelite (the best scene) it would still be too long. In addition to which, I always have felt that it expressed a real dislike of humanity. Why this is still considered a “classic” I will never understand. And, the special effects have always been terrible. Also, to call the acting “wooden” is kind.
January 3, 2006
#3
Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa, wait a minute. This is the legendary movie I heard about? Wrong! Here come the spoilers all.
In the beginning, the plot is relatively okay. Scientists want to discover how man begins. Okay, I get that. But as this movie progresses, it gets SLOWER AND SLOWER AND EVEN MORE BOOORING!!! Finally the end comes after 2 long hours of boring. Sociopathic computer is shut down. What happens next? Does astronaut go back to Earth? NO! he finds a big black monoloth thing and goes through a half an hour color scene. Then he is old. Then he is older, then he’s older, then he’s a baby. Thats about it.
Recommended? Yeah, if your STONED you might like this movie. You would have to be REALLY stoned to understand it. Do not buy this movie, you will not like it.
January 3, 2006
#4
I rented the VHS for this movie because it looked like a cool sci-fi action flick from the poster. Boy, was I wrong! This movie was such a SNORE! The first thirty minutes were just animals howling, what gives? There wasn’t any action either, and all the special effects looked horrible and outdated. It would have been better with aliens, gunfighting, a love interest and gore. No one wants to watch a spaceship go slowly across the screen for five minutes, how boring and pretentious can this film be? Check out “I, Robot”, “Transformers”, “Battlefield Earth”, or the new Terminator movie for how sci-fi should really be.
January 4, 2006
#5
This has to be the most BORING movie of all time. And I’ve watched a lot of movies. Yes, the special effects were amazing- especially for the time it was made. But oh my gosh!! The whole movie moves soooo slowly!! I thought I was going to go crazy! Luckily I had the ability to fast-forward. I really pity those who sat through the whole thing in a theater. I really thought I was going to go out of my mind.
I suppose it’s because in 2007, we’re so accustomed to a lot of fast-paced and action-packed movies. So we find it very difficult to appreciate slow-paced movies. It requires a great deal of patience. I don’t have that kind of patience. In my opinion, this movie is a complete waste of time. There is virtually no plot! And the little plot there is, doesn’t make any sense! It just leaves you with a lot of unanswered questions. Who enjoys that? Not me.