THE MORE YOU SEE IT, THE MORE YOU SEE IN IT

Rating: Null/10 (22 May 2001)

"2001- The more you see it, the more you see in it"
That was the quote used to describe Stanley Kubrick's "2001:A Space Odyssey", the greatest film ever made, in my opinion, during it's initial video release in 1980 by CBS Video. I usually don't quote others in my own reviews (Ebert not withstanding), but I made an exception because I found it to be true.
A deliberately complex film, "2001" has the rare power most films do not. It has managed to stand the test of time for 33 years. Now, that we find ourselves in the year 2001, one could be tempted to ridicule its' inaccuracies.
I have and will resist the temptation. Kubrick isn't interested in predicting the future. He's interested in what will happen to human nature as we progress throughout time. He (and co-author Arthur C. Clarke) embrace ideas.
The film is divided into 3 parts: 1,000,000 B.C.; 1999; 2001. One could make the case that it is about evolution. And it is. But that's the cover story. We, the viewers, are to make our own conclusions about what we see and that's the way it should be. That's why it's such a great film.
It's a typical practice of the Academy to avoid broad, challenging films and indeed, "2001" was robbed of a Best Picture nomination. You mean to tell me that "Oliver!", "Funny Girl", "Romeo and Juliet", "Rachel, Rachel" and "The Lion in Winter" are better films than "2001". All those films have their defenders. I think they're excellent films, but not better than "2001" which has the benefit of making the audience think about what they have seen. These days, audiences don't want to think. But the recent deaths of "Tomcats" and "Freddy Got Fingered" are a good sign that the tide is turning. This is a film that demands multiple viewings and is a treasure for keeps. Well done.
**** out of 4 stars