Once upon a time in the universe: the evolution of tools

Rating: Null/10 (19 June 2001)

Could it be the biggest practical joke in the history of cinema: to make a very anticipated film (+ novel) about absolutely nothing and see how many people buy it. Based on the reputation of already illustrious career of Kubrick. The joke gets funnier when the years go by and before the titular year more than 24000 people voted it here on IMDb. People keep talking each other into it for decades and MGM and Warner surely aren't the ones to spoil the fun (that is, one of their cash-cows).
I think not.
Kubrick takes the time to let Clarke's screenplay develop into a mesmerizing masterpiece. Even by todays standards. Or should I say especially by todays standards, with all their goofy CGI and not really convincing lightFX? It has never been more appropriate and better than '2001: a space odyssey'. Cinematography by Geoffrey Unsworth (Superman, Othello '65) and John Alcott (Clockwork Orange). The fact that there is almost no dialogue is more than compensated by the poetic imagery. If only I could see it in a theater once!
The story about evolution and technology could just as well have made in another form than a space-opera. But then there wouldn't be the fenomenon of the first and last space-opera by Kubrick (from whom each film is in no way similar to another) that happens to be the most universal and everlasting SF made in an era when (french) filmmakers denounced cinema dead, would there? Actually I think the story is about the history of tools invented by homo sapiens.
The pace is never high, but just when you think you know what's going on, the setting changes completely. I don't think there could be any spoilers for this film, because if you tell the complete story it would be just as fantastic and mesmerizing. But I won't spoil anything. BTW it was a good choice not to use Gerald Fried for the score, because the film would probably have become dated.
2001 is another brilliant work of art from the most versatile director and I had the honor to write this comment in the titular year. People summoned each other to go and see this when it was first released: now more than ever I strongly suggest everyone should see this, for it is an unsurpassed cinematic opera.
Why o why can't we vote 11 :(