Kubrick's Magnum Opus

Rating: 10/10 (31 July 2001)

Stanley Kubrick's detached, heavily visual directorial style found its ultimate expression in this cautionary tale of technology out of control.

This film has probably been studied and dissected more than any other, with the exception of "Citizen Kane". The story itself is fairly straightforward. What makes "2001" such a powerful film is, paradoxically, its refusal to hurry up and tell that story. By focusing on mundane details, yet holding our interest with spectacular visuals, it gradually makes us feel as if WE ARE THERE. The music is just as important as the visual component, stealthily creating a desired emotional response - exhilaration, apprehension, awe. It forces its way into the subconscious, engaging the viewer on a much more primal level than most movies even attempt to, let alone succeed.
I saw "2001" for the first time in 1968, the year it was released. I was a pre-teen, raised on Marvel comics and lots of sci-fi stories. The thing I remember most is that Kubrick respected the laws of physics. He played it absolutely straight, making the events of the Discovery's voyage all the more chilling because they were REAL!
*****SPOILER******** When Dave blows the air lock, there is no sound until the hatch is sealed. When Frank gets the message from his family, he can only watch because radio waves take a finite amount of time to reach Earth, even at the speed of light. *******END SPOILER*****.
This sort of uncompromising attention to detail elevates "2001" above all other science fiction films. It takes away all of our preconceptions, and forces us to experience what is happening RIGHT NOW. I have seen it more than 30 times, and I STILL get goosebumps every time Frank goes out to replace that antenna.
A word to those who have never seen "2001" in a theater - you have never seen "2001" period!!! On TV (or PC monitor), there is no way you can get more than a fraction of the intended effect. This film is a LOT more than just cool sets, classical music, apes, and a weird light show. If you ever get the chance, you OWE it to yourself to see it in a darkened theater, where you can give it your undivided attention.