Review of 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) by Mike D — 27 Aug 2016

Before there was 'Star Wars' and pretty much every other modern day sci-fi film, Stanley Kubrick's 1968 masterpiece '2001: A Space Odyssey' is how most people envisioned space. The film is regarded as one of the most well-done in the genre, even to this day, and other films like 'Gravity' and 'Interstellar' can trace some of their inspiration back to it.

While '2001' was a global blockbuster, it's not for everyone. The two-and-a-half-hour film is devoid of constant dialogue - there are plenty of scenes that go minutes without spoken word, and the abstract opening sequence will be lost on many. However, the visual effects and the soundtrack are impeccable, especially at the time '2001' was released. With the lack of frequent dialogue, the score actually fills the void and strings everything together, and in true Kubrick style, there's an odd, sinister vibe throughout the whole thing. Not to mention the original artificial intelligence villain - HAL - who is as devious as he is articulate.

Amid the awe-inspiring effects, there is an extremely complex storyline that is difficult to follow. Kubrick is a master at building in intellectual arguments and subtle undertones in his work, and '2001' is no different. The very point of human existence is explored, and despite the confusing, odd spectacle that Dave Bowman (Keir Dullea) witnesses when he makes it to Jupiter is metaphoric, as is the puzzling final scene of the film, but as you would expect, Kubrick does this intentionally because he wants his audience to think.

'2001: A Space Odyssey' is a smart film. If you're expecting 'Star Trek' or even 'Star Wars,' you'll be disappointed, but if you're open to experience a more artistic take on space, it's certainly worth a watch.