Rating of
4/4
2001: A Space Odyssey review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 09/03/11
This groundbreaking film may have various effects depending on the viewer. If your into fast paced, dialogue heavy and interesting plots, then this may not be entertaining. For lovers of visual effects, less script, snail paced yet detailed settings, thought provoking moments and exquisite psychedelic like visuals, then this will be a treat. A few memorable lines from the movie: HAL - "I am putting myself to the fullest possible use, which is all I think that any conscious entity can ever hope to do." "I honestly think you ought to sit down calmly, take a stress pill and think things over. I know I've made some very poor decisions recently, but I can give you my complete assurance that my work will be back to normal." Dr. Dave Bowman - "Well, he acts like he has genuine emotions. Uhm, of course, he's programmed that way to make it easier for us to talk to him. But as to whether or not he has real feelings is something I don't think anyone can truthfully answer."
A few things to remember that really made this movie aside from its sci-fi visualization of the future is the bone, HAL and star child. I have my own interpretations of the following, which I believe is the purpose of the director, to make you think. Bone for me is the transition of evolution when it was thrown in the air, apes becoming smarter for getting back their territory and yet stupidity since violence was utilized against its species. Dr. David Bowman (Keir Dullea) and Dr. Frank Poole (Gary Lockwood) was set out on a ship named Discovery 1 with a human-like sensitive super computer named HAL 9000, which blames "human error" for the false information of a deteriorating device which controls the ship's main antenna. HAL in my opinion signifies humanities frailties of admitting its mistakes (becoming human in a sense), being the best and trust. Machine against man because of its intellect and making it too smart was another view that was depicted. The star child in the final scene symbolizes hope, the future of existence and possibilities for earth, since it was presented face to face. I felt the picture had one of the best cinematographic scenes such as the dock, view of the sun over the monolith, and more. Film boasts of one of the best musical scores on film and realistic scenes such as the details of the moon, planets, ship, futuristic gadgets which some are put to use (chess playing computer, flat screen TV, video conferencing, and voice controlled computers). A few minor qualms that I felt dejected was the pace of the story (which really lacks), lack of depth to the history of the black monolith and certain dragging scenes (replacing the damaged part, ships landing on the moon, etc.). I felt too much details on the props and effects. I'm just one who enjoys a good story, smart screenplay, artists performances, realism, what we can learn from, score and cinematography. Other than that 2001: A Space Odyssey delivers some of the qualities that make an awesome film, and has influenced Directors and movie fans alike.
