2001, A Space Odyssey

Genre: science fiction
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Release: 1968
Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., MGM Distribution Company, Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution
Rating: G
MBiS score: 9.4/10


A Bicycle Built For Two


In cinema as in any other art form, the word ‘masterpiece’ must be interpreted with caution for it can be both a blessing and a curse. There are masterpieces that everyone should see by reason of their evocative power or universal appeal and others so difficult or overloaded with symbolism that they yield little viewing pleasure. 2001, A SPACE ODYSSEY stands on middle ground as it entertains as much as it confounds. Even today, it remains a fascinating encounter with man past and future and a puzzling journey to the outer limits of humanity itself.

It is not mandatory for film buffs to read Arthur C. Clarke’s book before seeing its cinematic version but leafing through it (as I have) may help you understand what it’s all about. The movie begins with a bright celestial crescent on a dark background and the thunderous opening from Richard Strauss’ Also sprach Zarathustra. Follows the first of three segments, this one entitled The Dawn Of Humanity, which depicts a chimpanzee tribe – or a group of prehistoric men, if you will – living desperate times. The group has to rummage for food and water, is threatened by a potent predator and barely holds its ground against stronger, better nourished enemies. It is then, as extinction looms, that the chimps discover a pitch-black monolith, a smooth and perfectly shaped vertical slab that they greet with fear, suspicion and curiosity. Ultimately, the tribe leader will gingerly approach the lifeless form and touch it. From then on, the tribe’s existence brightens immeasurably. The lesson to be learned from this first segment is that the monolith appeared at a crucial moment for man and helped him triumph over adversity.

The other segments take place in the not too distant future. In the second, a prominent scientist, Dr. Heywood Floyd (William Sylvester), is sent to the moon on a secret mission and, in the third, a team of astronauts led by David Bowman and Frank Poole (played by Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood respectively) head for Jupiter. At this point, this is really all you need to know.

Highlights are plentiful in 2001, A SPACE ODYSSEY. In the prehistoric segment, the presence of those pesky tapirs is factually correct – although defenseless, these animals are among the oldest species still living on earth. On a different level, the other segments will also amaze you with their futuristic creations and set designs that punctuate the story-line but never feel superfluous or gadgety. Do notice the cold and clinical mood Kubrick has imagined for his space stories, the political hanky-panky behind Dr. Floyd’s visit to the moon, the ballet interludes featuring various crafts sailing through space and those touches of wry humour about scientific breakthroughs and embarrassments. The script also contains space travel references from the 60s that are still scientifically sound today.

Technically speaking, Kubrick’s work is similarly astounding, with its spectacular visuals and special effects, its oblique camera angles and that eerie, otherworldly music. Many frames from this movie have become part of cinematic history and even popular culture. The descent towards Jupiter, illustrated by patches of colour thrown on screen à la Jackson Pollock, ranks as a most unusual and awe-inspiring sensory experience. In the third segment especially, tension builds slowly and deliberately, as mirrored by Bowman’s increasingly anguished face, and climaxes into a metaphysical and thought-provoking denouement that transcends usual science fiction canons.

Enough said. When you see it, you will understand why 2001, A SPACE ODYSSEY has been called one of the greatest films ever: it has withstood the test of time. In the late 60s, while man was rehearsing his first moon walk, Kubrick and crew were searching our solar system and beyond. Their dedication produced a movie of remarkable anticipation that still mesmerizes movie fans 41 years after its release. Don’t miss this film unlike any other.


MBiS

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