Just What Do You Think You're Doing, Dave?

#15-- 2001: A Space Odyssey

So right off the bat I am going to admit that #15 on AFI's Top 100 list posed quite a challenge for me to talk about. This is the second sci-fi film on this list, but I would have to say the most thought provoking so far. This film comes from the mind of acclaimed director Stanley Kubrick and award winning science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke. So I am going to try my best to give insight on 2001: A Space Odyssey.

At this juncture of my reviews I would try and summarize the plot of the movie. The problem with some movies is that it is very difficult to put the plot into words so that I don’t spoil the movie for my wonderful readers. 2001 projects a whole different challenge. After watching this for the first time last night, I have no idea what this movie is about! The movie is broken down into four parts, starting with the very early stages of human existence and jumping forward to mankind being able to travel through space on route to Jupitar. The constant in all four parts is a black monolith that fills us humans with awe and wonder. It is only in the third act is the audience introduced to the infamous HAL 9000 computer. During this third act is when the movie really has any substance, in my opinion anyway. What I truly believe the movie is about is a contemporary look at human evolution.

Of course, since the film’s release in 1968, there have been many different theories that have circulated among film scholars and critics. Some have the same theory that I do, that each section of the film is one step in our evolution and others believe that the film is about the birth, life, and eventual death of man. One thing is for sure, 2001 provokes many philosophical thoughts and theories. In understanding the film and the meaning if the black monolith, Kubrick was no help. In many interviews the director urged audiences to make their own interpretation of the film and that he purposely made the film to be though inducing.  Many film scholars and critics also go on to say that Arthur C. Clarke's novelization of the film is some sort of "skeleton key" on understanding the film. Though I should mention that according to these same scholars and critics, the novel doesn’t offer much more in terms if meaning.

In terms of filmmaking, Kubrick does a great job directing the film. The thing about Kubrick's direction that stood out to me the most is how he tries to make HAL as much of a human character as the rest if the actors. The way that Kubrick centers HAL in the shot is almost like a close up in an actor. Kubrick also stages his shots really well. Kubrick makes sure that HAL is as much of the shot as possible and the black monolith is the most important part if each shot it’s in.

On an acting standpoint, this film is lacking severely. The human actors in this film are very one dimensional and honestly not interesting at all. HAL becomes the most interesting character in this film just by what I mentioned in the previous paragraph. Douglas Rain's monotone voice of HAL seems to bring more life into the scenes he is in than anything else. I know that sounds weird because you wouldn’t think a monotone voice would be interesting, but it's the way it comes out and what he says.

The film is also praised for the special effects. 2001 was really the catalyst of epic scale sci-fi movies and their use of special effects. The film incorporates green screen for most of its effects, however I would really have to give credit to the set designers and miniature builders. They give a very unique perspective of the future that has influenced many sci-fi movies that have come after this.

 2001's cinematic influence is what I think places the film on AFI's list. This film alone inspired many of the great filmmakers to create some of the most impactful movies. George Lucas/Star Wars, Steven Spielberg/Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Ridley Scott/Alien all have influences of 2001 in some sort of fashion. Though some scholars and critics say that 2001 is the science fiction film to end all science fiction films. I, however, believe that every generation has that one film that sparks something great in other filmmakers. If it wasn’t for 2001, we may not have ever been graced with films like Star Wars or even Interstellar.

2001: A Space Odyssey is definitely not for everyone. For those sci-fi fans out there I do suggest giving this a watch if you already haven’t. Kind of like watching the beginning of time for what sci-fi movie are today. Those of you that aren’t into sci-fi movies or on the fence about them, this movie is not for you. I, on the other hand, found myself drawn in by the mystery of the film but found it too heavy on the philosophical questions it raises.

The Verdict: Watch if already into sci-fi or if you just want your mind messed with.