They are at least the equal, if not superior to, George Lucas' efforts in Star Wars . Today, visual effects are all about pushing the digital envelope, but there are times when it's worth looking back to how things were done in a simpler era, when technological limitations demanded greater creativity. Douglas Trumbull's accomplishments in 2001 represent an innovative pinnacle. Consequently, Kubrick opted for silence, and the result is eerie and memorable. Every time there's a space sequence, no sound can be heard - except for the occasional strains of the classical compositions used on the soundtrack.
Music is critical to every aspect of the movie's success - even when the story has been told.
However, the piece is more than eight minutes in length, so the director allows it to continue after the credits have concluded. This gives audience members an opportunity to mull over what they have just seen before returning to the bustle of everyday life. The reason is that this is not a character-based story. It's about experiences and ideas. The actors do competent jobs, but there are no true standouts.