a classic

Rating: 9/10 (16 October 2003)

This movie would probably only attract a cult following if it came out today, but if you look at it in the context of the time in which it was released, its grand and brilliant. The Jupiter mission sequence with HAL offers some of the most frightening and suspenseful moments ever in a science fiction film.
I'm not sure, but this may also be one of the first pictures, which also served as a blatant advertisement for a sponsor. As Dr. Floyd is transported to the space station via the shuttle, the Pan American logo is conspicuously visible in several places. There can be no mistake where at least some of the film's funding came from.
The story in itself is almost impossible to follow without having first read the book. Even then, much is left up to the viewer's interpretation. This only adds some allure to this great movie.
A must see movie!