2001: A Space Odyssey is an American epic science fiction film that grossed between $138 and $190 million over a budget of between $10.5 and $12 million, eventually overtaking Funny Girl as the highest-grossing film of 1968. It is based on short story The Sentinel by Arthur C Clarke. It is rated G (in Australia). The following are the 10 most recent reviews for the film on IMDb.
Warning: Spoilers
My first experience of Stanley Kubrick was 2001: A Space Odyssey, a revolutionary, extraordinary and enlightening journey through the existence of humanity and its exploration of space. The first 2 hours are pure enjoyment as the course of human history is charted (accompanied by one of the most famous film scores of all time) up to the present day, all whilst pondering the existence of an artefact found on Earth.
The space travel, however, is where this film truly shines: for the late 60s, every visual must have been pioneering, depicting space, future life and artificial intelligence beautifully. HAL 9000 is the looming presence here, an entity of which its level or control cannot be fully comprehended, seeing as the other characters rely on him so heavily. HAL’s interactions with the crew is unbelievably sinister, as the lack of tone allows nothing to be given away emotionally, even if you sense something is afoot. As the film progresses further, these visuals continue to astound, with meticulous set design and amazing use of slow, quiet scenes to build tension and emotion. Everything you have seen then builds towards the final eventuality – disappointment.
Kubrick almost shot himself in the foot by attempting such an ambitious storyline, as some viewers would ultimately never find the ending satisfactory. However, personally the ending just doesn’t achieve anything; none of the story is fully explored nor understandable, and it feels like a jumbled mess of conclusions rushed to (with some arresting visuals to boot). I would recommend 2001: A Space Odyssey purely on the first 2/3 of the film – just don’t expect the all-encompassing ending you’re hoping for.
Warning: Spoilers
Warning: Spoilers
If you want to know where some of the inspiration of sci-fi media originated then go for it. But I should warn you it’s a really long movie with BARELY something happening.
You have this spectacle of scenes with classical pieces that give you this ominous feeling, yes, but after 4-5 mins contemplating the same image… it gets boring. This happens quite a few times. I must say I’m not a Stanley Kubrick fan since I have watched plenty of his movies and I’ve liked none… so my opinion is biased.
Still, I say that its outdated in terms of the story. Nowadays media in general, and especially videogames, have expanded the topic “what makes us human” and developed it better.
I acknowledge the fact that it was an inspiration for many many directors and writers but:
-if you like the topic and have been exposed so much to it, i don’t think this is for you. -If you think you can appreciate what it meant in its time, then it is.
While aesthetically stunning, 2001: A Space Odyssey commits the cardinal movie sin of being utterly boring. Other than HAL 9000, the spaceship’s computer and villain of the movie, the dialogue, plot and characters are completely flat and forgettable.
2001 may be the worst movie I have ever seen, but In saying all that, I am actually glad that I watched it.
Don’t believe the hype.
Blockbusters Reviewed 