Why it's great, clarification for disbelievers

Rating: Null/10 (24 July 2000)

I have read some of the comments posted by readers of this website about the film 2001: A Space Odyssey, and I must say that i am shocked at the minority of people who don't believe in the pure genius of this film. The film is not meant to be completely understood. I remember reading an article written by Stanley Kubrick just before he past away that simply stated that if you think that you, as a viewer, completely understand this film, then he has failed as a director. The reason this movie is so incredible is that not only does it entertain, but it also stimulates. Consider the wide range of discussion and argument this film as gathered. THAT is Kubrick's legacy to we, the viewing public. Kubrick, in my opinion, never sets out to create a movie to change people's lives or to birth a cultural icon, but merely to give people something to think about. The plot of this movie is structured on giving the characters something to think about, so why should we, the characters in the movie of life, be any different. Kubrick quietly creates cinematic perfection, not with catchy dialogue, or outstanding action sequence or even with invigorating plot, but simply with tickle the human curiousity. That is truly what 2001 is all about, discovering something in yourself that you never knew existed.