The greatest film ever made

Rating: 10/10 (27 May 2001)

What can I say about the greatest film ever made? It's odd because I saw this film (or parts of it) once when I was a teenager. I remember being baffled and irritated by the ending, and I didn't see it again for 20 years. Watching it a second time, even though it was on a tv screen again, I sat in awe. I don't think there has ever been a more visually beautiful film. It's gorgeous. I hope I can see it in a theater someday. Also, the marriage of classical music to the scenes was brilliant. Regardless of how good the commissioned score may have been, it wouldn't have been able to match the power and beauty of "Thus Spake Zarathustra" or "Blue Danube."

On one hand it's difficult to believe this film was released in 1968, because it looks better than anything produced since. On the other hand, it had to be made during that period. I don't think a 2 1/2 hour, slow-paced, contemplative science fiction film that asks more questions than it answers could be made today. Who would finance it? Who would see it? The closest thing to that description is "Contact," which was as deep and interesting as a teaspoon of mud.
Just like great art in any given medium, this film is not accessible to everyone. If you're looking for plot or action, don't look here. You'll feel the same way I did as a kid. If you're looking for beauty or wish to contemplate man's position in the universe, see this film.