For some, not for others; still remarkable

Rating: Null/10 (7 March 2004)

I think there are two types of movie-goers. The first type wants an
obvious story. And heck, I think that is what the fundamental
purpose of a movie is: to allow us to sit for two hours and to be
entertained while munching on popcorn. Lots of action and color
are also desired stimulation.
The other type wants the same thing, but will also accept "think"
movies. This is the type that doesn't do that well all of the time,
especially on television. This is good entertainment, too, but at the
same time its plot elements aren't always so clear. This, however,
is not a mistake; it's done on purpose to leave us thinking,
wondering, and talking about what we've just seen. It's harder to
make this kind of movie, because you just don't follow formula.
But when it's done well, it can be a wonder to behold.
2001 is the latter type of movie. Most of the movie has no
dialogue. The plot is unclear. The characters are not clearly
drawn. But it is so well done, the mystery of the film's message
outweighs all of these items. Rather than have a narrator spell
things out for us in the beginning, and explain them in the end,
we're left to do that for ourselves. And when we begin to arrive at
conclusions, we realize just how good this movie is.
I think it's unfair for people who don't enjoy "think" movies to put
down 2001. Once you accept it, think about it, and talk about it, you
have to admit that it's well done for what it is. For people who like
that kind of movie, it's a tremendous, memorable achievement.
For those who don't, it's not right to say that it's slow and boring.
There's a lot going on underneath the surface; it just takes some
work to find it.