Fascinating

Rating: 10/10 (6 February 2012)

The movie is very well done -"epic" doesn't begin to describe it. "2001" conveys a sense of wonder and mystery that keeps your attention even if, most of the time, not much happens and the pace is very slow. The grandeur of space and human civilization will always be associated with that famous "Thus Spoke Zarathustra", and you know from the opening sequence that this will be something different from your usual sci-fi flick.
Visually stunning, "2001" is surprisingly fresh and doesn't look dated at all. Only women's haircuts and some outfits are reminiscent of the late 60's, a detail of no relevance. Special effects and the overall realism of space travel are outstanding even by today standards. At times hypnotic, atmospheric and vaguely sinister, the movie is also pretty cryptic, which can be frustrating I suppose, especially if you're unprepared. I personally found it intriguing – I guess it depends on personal taste and timing.
The astronaut David Bowman and the others are not well defined, so don't expect any character development. A sense of depersonalization throughout the entire movie and a deliberate lack of emotion are meant to make a statement about that particular stage of evolution. Many philosophical issues arise and you'll be screaming for more information about what's going on in the mind of Hal or Bowman. The novel will provide you with all these important details- to complete the experience, you must read the book.
The ending raises a lot of questions that are left unanswered, as in open for interpretation. The final minutes are splendidly surreal and the images will stay with you for a long time. The movie is a perfect complement to the novel, just as good – they are both masterpieces in their own right.