Style over substance

Rating: Null/10 (20 October 2004)

I've often thought that the late Stanley Kubrick, while perhaps a visionary in his own eccentric right, was also one of the greatest violators of the style over substance concept. Take "The Shining" for example, a film where style so clearly overpowers substance. Sure it scares you out of your wits, but there's no real depth or substance in it, just Jack Nicholson's gleefully go for broke performance.
"2001: A Spacey Odyssey", on the other hand, is an epic science fiction masterpiece that ultimately goes nowhere (like the Phantom Menace or Attack of the Clones). Starting with the beginning of man, then man's exploration of space, and finally, man going on the ultimate journey after his ship's super-computer betrays him.
The film's technical execution is superb, but the story is flat and passionless.
The music, that classic anthem, is more memorable than the actual film. Followed by a more emotionally involving sequel - "2010", starring Roy Scheider and John Lithgow.
"Open the pod bay doors, HAL." - Dave
"I'm sorry, Dave. I can't do that." - HAL