Review of 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) by Ali A — 10 Apr 2017

This is arguably the most significant sci-fi film ever made by arguably the greatest director ever and is a masterclass in subtlety and atmosphere. On paper, little happens for much of the movie. Instead, we are left to marvel at the beauty of the visuals and the epic score, leaving us time to mull over what we have seen and what it means. Few movies with a 160-minute runtime can afford to be slow paced, and yet still be immersive and breathtaking. This one can.

This film does not portend to be a narratively driven, clearly linear structured work. It is art, with every frame as beautiful as the best work of the Picasso's, Van Gogh's and Michelangelo's of the world. One of the first things to stand out are the effects of the space age setting. Although comprised of miniature figures, Kubrick made these small props more incredible than anything CGI could conjure up and is still as beautiful now as it was in 1968. We are also treated to one of the most iconic, electronic 'antagonists' of all time (HAL is merely following orders). HAL 9000, the onboard computer, is a nightmarish enemy, a sign of humanities inferiority and need to evolve into a more superior being. He is just a small red light, but through Kubrick's immense genius, he is transformed into a formidable foe.

The film contemplates humanity and the ways in which man may possibly evolve. In the novels by Arthur C. Clarke (co-writer of the screenplay), written after this movie, the Star Child at the end of the film is David Bowman, our protagonist. He has been turned into a being comprised of a metaphysical body, meaning that he can withstand any physical obstacles and communicate with the alien life form responsible for leaving the obelisks - these obelisks being left as a challenge for humanity, a sign that Earth has the intelligence to reach outside of their own planet and forge a destiny in the stars. He has essentially mimicked HAL's bodiless, more intelligent form.

This is explicitly stated in the books and is also the film's message. The film, however, instead goes for a poetic and ambiguous tone, one which has left audiences contemplative, yet equally awestruck for years. It is a movie aiming to ask questions, not to answer them, and it sticks in the mind like nothing else. It's one of the most forward thinking, ambitious tales ever put to film, and deserves all the praise it has gotten over the years. Although the year 2001 is now long gone, the influence and brilliance of this film hasn't left us.