Filmmakers of today take note: THIS is what a movie should be!

Rating: Null/10 (26 October 2001)

I've read a lot of comments about this film, and they usually are one of two types: 1. This movie was a great achievement in filmmaking, or 2. This movie was boring. I am happy to say that I fall into the first group of people, but sorry to say that I may be one of the last (in terms of age) who probably will. What follows is not so much a review of the film (there are already enough out there) but rather more of a minor rant....I apologize in advance.
My theory on this (bear with me) is something I call "The Nintendo Effect" Sometime in the mid 80s, the cursed game machine era began, and with it began the era of "quicker, faster, right now" and the 2-minute attention span. What does this have to do with 2001? Everything.
Yes, the spaceships move slowly. Yes, the movie goes for long stretches without dialogue. It's all part of the atmosphere that makes this film great. Some people claim that the movie is impossible to understand. Well, yes...heaven forbid you try to THINK during a movie.
With a few exceptions, movies today seem to be of the type where you check your brain at the door and lose 2 hours of your life while sitting down and watching the latest garbage to come out of Hollywood. People blame this on a lack of creativity in the movie making industry. While this may be part of it, I don't believe it is the main cause. Rather, Hollywood is as smart as ever. They know their target audiences, and they produce whatever will make the most money. How else can one explain the fact that movies like Zoolander and Corky Romano have pulled in about $40 million each, while a great film like Memento is really only getting it's deserved recognition through video? It is sad for me to say this, but I doubt 2001 would do very well if it were released today, rather than 1968.....
If you stuck with me through this, there will be a wine and cheese reception down the hall....*gets off the soap box*