Review of 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) by Matt G — 03 Apr 2015

Doesn't particularly make sense to me at the moment, so will require some further study, however, this film -- amongst the overload of drawn-out static shots -- has some fantastic directing in it, i.e. the ape's-bone-to-spaceship metaphoric match cut, the over-the-shoulder and unsettling angled shots, as well as the tension & suspense bred simply by prolonged heavy breathing , helps to creates an intense atmosphere. On the latter two, the film is manipulating me whilst the villain is manipulating the 'heroes', making me feel similar emotions to what the hero is feeling also. Impressive stuff by Kubrick.

I felt bored in many parts throughout the film however, with said drawn-out shots, but I suppose my perseverance was rewarded in some respects.

The special effects are wonderful -- other than the baby -- especially considering the film is 45 years old. The acting is good enough -- nothing bad, nothing great I suppose --.

All in all, a film which -- at the moment (5 minutes after watching it) -- doesn't wholly live up to what I expect should be considered one of the greatest films of all time. I'll sleep on it, and read on it soon to see what I just watched -- can't help but feel that this has a bit of Donnie-Darko-syndrome.