This film is an Allegory.

Rating: 7/10 (26 October 2014)

IT'S EASY ;)
1. The monolith space rock represents a higher intelligence. This can be interpreted anything from a physical alien, to a representation of a higher part of our own consciousness and intelligence . I like to think all of the above.
When discovered- it allows for transcendence. Apes to intelligent humans and humans to....
2. The HAL scenario represents humans relationship with technology, the relationship between Apollonian and Dionysian (google it).
From the bone weapon, to the spaceship to HAL. A comment that (while useful) humans may misuse technology and move us in the wrong direction- creating a Frankenstein.
** Perhaps the true message which combines every aspect of the film is that (like tools, technology and HAL) it is not what is right in front of us that will truly progress us and move humanity forward. It is something that is harder to understand and decipher (the monolith).
Blows my mind.