Kubrick's masterpiece, and one of the greatest films ever made

Rating: 10/10 (5 June 2017)

In this space-age sci-fi mindbender, acclaimed director Stanley Kubrick crafts some of the greatest direction in any film. 2001: A Space Odyssey is one of my absolute favorite films, and I have little to critique and nothing but my opinion to add to critical discourse. No film has ever held such a fantastic vision so perfectly executed as 2001's. Some viewers will be deterred by the at times confusing plot or Kubrick's signature coldness, but I treasure both of these. The film's subtle screenplay (surprisingly but deservedly nominated for an Academy Award) and acting drive the plot gracefully, especially Douglas Rain as the iconic HAL 9000. Every sequence of this film, from the monolith's first appearance to humanity, the conspiracy-inspiring moon, and the bedroom where Dave ascends to a higher level, breath with stunning beauty. 2001 is an eternally divisive film, but I firmly believe that it is one of the grandest and most awe-inspiring experiences in cinema.