A transcendent journey through space and time

Rating: 10/10 (14 February 2003)

With carte blanche (essentially) from a then struggling MGM, Kubrick (in collaboration with renowned sci-fi author Arthur C. Clarke) had artistic license to develop "2001" as he saw fit. What he created was his magnum opus, a visually stunning and visionary depiction of space and the future. The film is a transcendent journey through space and time that is open to numerous interpretations. I interpreted the film as a cautionary cosmic satire about the influence and imperfection of technology in our lives as well as an explorational philosophical vehicle forcing the viewer to delve into his/her creative consciousness and imagine the greater future potential of mankind. The film's continuing success can be attributed to the visual wonder and awe that is inspired by the film, its believability even today (due in no small part to the extensive research of the production crew and the participation of consultants ranging from NASA to IBM), as well as its evolving interpretations through the decades. In particular, even as the year 2001 has come and gone, the film raises profound questions about the progress and destiny of mankind and technology, issues that have timeless relevance.