An Ambiguous And Beautiful Masterwork

Rating: 10/10 (22 February 2011)

Make no mistake, 2001: A Space Odyssey is Kubrick's best. A Clockwork Orange, Dr. Strangelove and The Shining were all exceptional films, but no other Kubrick film, or any film, for that matter, has made something so emotionally twisting and beautiful. If a film can be art, this truly is. The story begins with a prologue concerning early humans finding a mysterious thing that looks like a door, and from there follows the story of astronauts on a mission to Jupiter accompanied by the computer HAL. But don't see the movie expecting that. See the movie expecting emotion. Unlike the traditional spectrum of Action vs. Character, 2001 is almost completely separated from those analysis. The two extremes of movies are movies filled with character and not much happening or filled with action and not much character, and when these two aspects are merged together in harmony and balance, you get a masterpiece, like the Godfather, There Will Be Blood, Goodfelas or Pulp Fiction.
But 2001 is something completely different. The movie has very little to do with character, but is very slow-paced and events are far apart. This movie is pushed ahead by something hard to define. The closest I can come to defining it is a huge sense of wonder. Like, you sit through the whole movie just marvelling at it's beauty.
But this isn't an art gallery. There are huge themes of evolution, humanity, automation and what makes us human. The movie does throw huge narrative curves that will shock and disturb you, and I guarantee you certain images and sounds will stay with you to your dying day.
This movie is an experience. From the first few seconds that might make you think there's something wrong with the image on your TV to spine-shivering, inspiring moments to the Blue Danube, this is awe-inspiring in the most awe-inspiring sense of the world.
P.S. don't watch this movie if you need constant action, if you are 10 or if you can't focus on anything. Just sayin.