Rating: 
Summary: Open the Doors of Your Mind and Journey Beyond the Infinite!
Review: =====>This 1968 movie that was produced and directed by the late Stanley Kubrick has four parts: (1) The Dawn of Man: one scene (2) From the Earth to the Moon: eight scenes (3) The Jupiter Mission: fifteen scenes (4) Jupiter...and Beyond the Infinite: four scenes. (Note that this movie is two and a half hours long but if you take out the beginning overture, opening credits, intermission, and end credits, it is about two hours long.) The Dawn of Man is concerned with our prehistoric ape-ancestry past. Here we get a glimpse of how our ape-ancestors gradually adapted to their environment. Also, near the end of this scene, we first see the black monolith (a large slab) that looks strangely out of place in this prehistoric landscape. Then the movie leaps millennia (by way of one of the most enthralling film cuts ever imagined) into man's techno-future. A monolith has been discovered on the Moon. As a result, a scientist from Earth has to go to the Moon via space shuttle to investigate. The flight from the Earth to the Moon has become routine. We see how man again has adapted to his environment so as to make such a flight routine. As an example of this adaptation, be sure to look for the special zero-gravity toilet that passengers have to use. As a result of this investigation, there is a mission to Jupiter. It is in this part that we finally meet the main characters of the movie: astronaut Dave Bowman (Keir Dullea), astronaut Frank Poole (Gary Lockwood), and the supercomputer named HAL (that has the voice of Doug Rain) that controls all the functions of the Jupiter-bound spaceship. Suspense is created when HAL starts acting up making Dave and Frank realize that they are in a real dangerous situation. I have two favorite scenes in this part. First, the two astronauts isolate themselves from HAL so they can discuss the situation. The shot of HAL "eavesdropping" on their conversation is unforgettable. Second, the image of HAL being shut down and pleading for his "life" and singing "Daisy" is incredible. You'll also note that throughout the scenes with HAL that it is this talking supercomputer that ironically has the dialogue with the most feeling. The fourth and last part is the most mystical, metaphysical, and mysterious part of the movie. The spaceship with now only Dave alive enters a star gate and travels through space and time via a wormhole to another dimension. It is at the end of the wormhole that Dave encounters a monolith and sees his own death and rebirth as a child of the stars. This movie has hardly any dialogue and the little that does exist is secondary to the stunning visual effects and the blending of music and motion. It's fascinating to compare the Jupiter sequences in the movie with the actual color footage taken years later by the Voyager space probes. The music by Khachaturian, Ligeti, Johann Strauss ("The Blue Danube"), and Richard Strauss ("Thus Spake Zarathustra" -- first heard in the opening credits) adds immeasurably to the greatness and awe of this movie. What I did was watch the movie first, then I read the book which has the movie's title (and was written by Sir Arthur C. Clarke), then I watched the movie again. I must confess that I could not understand a lot of this movie on first viewing. It was only after reading the book (in which there are many similarities but also major differences with the movie) and then re-watching the movie that I fully understood all that was going on (and thus what enabled me to write the above synopsis). This is because the movie does not explain details but the book does. Finally, I should explain my rating. On first viewing the movie, I would give it three stars. I think Kubrick expected too much from viewers when he thought that they could somehow "figure out" all the important details of this movie. (In fact, when this movie was first previewed in 1968, a then famous actor walked out saying "Will someone tell me what the hell this [movie] is about?") Only after reading the book and then watching the movie again would I give it easily five stars. The average of the above ratings is four stars. THREE-STEP RECOMMENDATION: (1) Watch the movie (to experience the mystery and awe of it and ignore details).
(2) Read the book (to understand finer details).
(3) Watch the movie again (to experience the magnificence of this movie with greater insight). <=====>
Rating: 
Summary: Still holds up
Review: Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece still holds up beyond the year 2001. The strange ending is a real thought-provoker. [DW]
Rating:
Summary: Beyond the Infinite...
Review: I actually hesitated about writing this review of one of my favorite films, after all, what could I write that has not already been said before? There are about 600 reviews of the film already on this site, and a sizable publishing industry has grown up around it over the years, critiquing, praising, lambasting, explaining, deconstructing, dissembling, and even spoofing. A quick search on Google - "2001: a space odyssey" - brings back over 700,000 results... surely there's nothing more to say? Oh well, I guess I'll just make a few observations and leave it up to you to decide if you want to go along for the ride. This film has always engendered extreme responses, but reading the Amazon reviews is instructive. Those who love it give a multitude of reasons, its startling, groundbreaking technical virtuosity, its scope of ideas, portraying Man's evolution from prehistoric Hominid to a being of pure thought or energy, the metaphysics, the unconventional narrative; some compare watching the film to an almost Messianic experience! Those who hate the film invariably trash it as boring and confusing; they don't get it, they want to be "entertained." Well, the film IS entertaining, just not in a Star Wars/RoboCop/Star Trek/Alien(s) kind of way... all of which I love I hasten to add! For instance, I would prefer to rip out my own fingernails with a pair of rusty pliers than sit through an opera or ballet performance, but I would never deny the skill and commitment it takes to be a 1st class performer in either discipline... it's just that I don't "get it" as an art form. "2001" is a monumental cinematic achievement, it's safe to say there's never been a film like, and we'll never see it's like again! There are scenes of stunning technical artistry; the jump cut from a bone thrown into the air by one of the Hominids - the first tool/weapon - to orbiting nuclear weapons platform - the ultimate weapon. The docking of the space plane and the orbiting space station, the flight and landing of the Aries lunar transport at the Clavius base, including the stewardess' head-over-heals maneuver! The scenes at the TMA crater on the Moon; remember we hadn't yet landed on the Moon when this was filmed! "2001" presents the most realistic depiction of space travel ever created for the big screen; in space, not only can no one hear you scream, but spaceships don't go "Whoooosh!" There's Frank Pool's "jogging" scene, and Dave Bowman's entrance to the Discovery crew deck, a physical effect - no CGI - that looks impossible, like an Escher drawing come to life. The "Star Gate" sequence, the "Ultimate Trip," as the critics christened it, "Beyond the Infinite," and the final, beautiful, stunningly enigmatic image of the "Star Child." But IMHO, the most magnificent creation from Kubrick and Clarke is the "HAL 9000" computer that actually runs the Discovery. HAL is the most perfect Artificial Intelligence ever created by man, softly spoken, and quietly proud of his record of infallibility; "...No 9000 computer has ever made a mistake or distorted information. We are all, by any practical definition of the words, foolproof and incapable of error." HAL is brought to life, not only by his dialogue, but also by the extraordinary characterization and vocal performance of Douglas Rain. Who could forget his pleading with Bowman as his higher brain functions are shut down, "Dave... my mind is going... I can feel it... I can feel it," and his question to Dr Chandra as he contemplates his own destruction in "2010;" "Will I dream?" Poor HAL; forced to lie, driven insane, then lobotomized by his one remaining crewmate... is it any wonder that he is the most sympathetic character in "2001?!" HAL is the perfect minimalist deity in the AI universe; no garish flashing lights despoil him, no clunking, shuffling, man-in-a-suit ruins the illusion, HAL is pure intellect, viewing the world through gently glowing, all-seeing, lip-reading, wide-angle lenses. If we are to ultimately become slaves to the machine, HAL gets my vote!!! It's a common misconception that the film was based on Arthur C Clarke's novel; a Clarke short story, "The Sentinel," was the jumping off point for the author and Kubrick, who both simultaneously wrote the screenplay and novel together. In fact, Kubrick ensured that the film was released BEFORE the book was published, he didn't want the audience to have all the answers! With "2001" he was exploring the ultimate questions of where we come from, and where we might be going, he wanted to ask questions of, and even to confound, the audience, and once said that if you came away from the film with more questions in your head than answers, then he had succeeded! But for anyone who is thinking of watching, I would definitely recommend reading the novel first, it provides a wealth of background information, as well as being structured in a much more traditional narrative format... it compliments the film perfectly, and will definitely help you to appreciate and understand it. Finally, I would like to do something I rarely do, and that is say a few words about the actual DVD production itself... it sucks! To say I was disappointed with this WB issue, ASIN: B00005ASUM, would be a major understatement; from the nasty, flimsy cardboard snap case, to the no frills disc, to the, at times, dreadful transfer - massive amounts of grain, and image quantization - this is an insult to an extraordinary cinematic achievement! If there's any film out there that demands a re-mastered, 2 disc's stuffed-to-the-gills-with-extras "Criterion" edition... THIS is it!!! (Criterion, PLEASE take note!) Personally, I can't recommend this film highly enough... but please be warned, you MAY be left scratching your head and wondering just what, exactly, it is you've seen!
Rating:
Summary: 2001: a space odyssey
Review: The best part for me about 2001 is its uncanny developing of its themes on technology. It begins in deep coloured sequences of apes living everyday life with the wide open sky looming over them. Then, the black, rectangular block comes from literally nowhere one day, and one by one the apes receive their power from it. Thus begins evolution in man. Warp forward in time millions of years to the future, where lengthy sequences in space set to classic music detail how the monolith has been found once more, this time on the moon. What could this possibly mean? Then, the movie delves into the main story where two astronauts are stranded in outerspace floating towards Jupiter, with a supremely intelligent computer onboard, named HAL 9000. Within a short period of time the computer begins to malfunction, seemingly, or maybe the computer is just playing a proverbial game of chess with the two men. Eventually, however, the movie goes off on a seriously off course science-fiction tangent, and really is truly just psychedelic (Frank flying through the cosmic void/light show in his space shuttle). Whether or not you like all this junk, and the uber-long scenes, you can't deny the movie's unflinchingly strong development of its themes. And AS FOR THE DVD, it's about as minimalist as you can get, to put it nicely. I mean, talk about spending no time on perks.
But I think the most important thing about 2001 is coming up with your own conclusions about what it means, not just reading what everyone else agrees on, or even what Kubrick said it meant.
Rating:
Summary: Thus Spoke Zarathustra.....
Review: "2001: A Space Odyssey" is the greatest movie ever put down on film by the greatest filmmaker to ever walk the face of the earth, Stanley Kubrick.
The dumbed-down masses of American cattle have the attetion span equal to that of a fly while not having a capacity or want to explore more profound thoughts on life, preferring Big Mac's and meatball wedges while viewing such classic films such as "MIB II" or "Bad Boyz".
Kubrick's vision of interpreting Nietzsche's evolutionary theories through interpretations of Richard Strauss' musical interpretations of Nietzsche's works is the most mind-blowing masterpiece of performance art ever made.
Contrary to some other reviewers, Kubrick makes no attempt to "tell" you what to think about whatever message emanates from this film. It's up to you, but there's a lot of meat on the bone for chewing up your mind for days and weeks after viewing this most extraordinary masterpiece.
It's aged beautifully since 1968 and makes Star Wars look like a has-been."2001: A Space Odyssey" is Kubrick's ultimate and timeless masterpiece. I only wish that the DVD would have had extra features about the film.
Rating:
Summary: STOP MAKING SENCE
Review: Sometimes the best thing to say is nothing.
2001 is perhaps too big a film, too outstanding an acomplishment to effectivley comment on by summarizing and offering interpretations. There seem to be two camps of movie viewers for this film, those who don't get it and hate it and those who don't get it and love it.
Something to consider is that apart from the subplot of the human race discovering and pursuing an otherworldly race, the film is about that which is beyond our comprehension. The idea that man may be less than the sum of the universe and destined to enter someday into a larger world where his knowledge will be reduced to a pittance is an important theme here. The film expertly takes us from the realm of the understandable to that of a disorienting new reality. Those who complain of the fimmakers use of time and silence are the same who would complain of a painters use of red and blue. Those who claim to have unraveled the true meaning as if it were some hidden jackpot are tethered to convention. My advise is to try it. If you're a fan you will know after five minutes. If you're a detractor the same will apply. Fans will buy it.
Try letting go of the meaning. Not everything has to have one. Take the journey all the way and accept that there will be things beyond us that will require acceptance just because they are.
My personal view for what it's worth is that this is one of the greatest cinematic works of all time. Kubrik's use of cinema is pure, powerfull and inspired. You will be in the presence of genius - like it or not.
Rating:
Summary: "An adventure like no other."
Review: As a classical conservative (politics & temperment) I am suprised and offended by the number of people who deem this film garbage. Not only is this one of the most original and thoughtful films ever made, it continues to inspire, enlighten, and touch people like myself. This film has a shroud of mystery around it. The enigma of what Kubrick was trying to say can be hard to decipher, and more importantly everyone may leave with different thoughts. That it would suffice to say: You will be a better person for watching this. Everyone else: Continue watching Monty Python. (By the way, the Pope was deeply moved by this film. If it's good enough for him...you know.)
Rating: 
Summary: Buy every copy
Review: The best idea I could think of for this badly created piece of nonsense is to purchase the copyrights, remove from syndication and try to buy every copy in circulation. This movie is terrible and should not be presented to the next generation. The movie is not as deep as everyone here attempts to make it. The scenes are toooo looonnnngggg and outdated. Watching this during its time might have made this flick better but I still cannot see how people would watch this. For the reviewers commenting that the "director wants the viewer to use his/her brain" I say that movies are a form of entertainment and should not leave the viewer with to much to think about. Yes I get the evoution and dependency point the movie attempts to make but come on this could have been cut down to about 86 minutes. Please do not waste your time watching this movie. The only thing worse would be a teacher that thinks this is great and forces his students to watch and write about how great and in depth this piece of crap is.
Rating:
Summary: Boring and Too Weird!
Review: I really hate giving this movie just one star. I feel I owe the movie more since it's developed such a following, but honestly I had to force myself to stay awake. I've seen bits of it before but always fell asleep. I wanted to see all of it so I picked it up from my library. I finally got to see the ape-man beginning and even the strange ending, instead of just the slow-moving space scenes with classical music. (That's where I'd usually fall asleep.) I believe the movie would have done more for me had it been 30 years ago. During its time it would have been the most awe-inspiring film with it's beaufiful space footage. But in this decade there is so much more, now. There were just too many quiet moments, and the whole mystery of the movie was more than I could bare. I still don't understand what the ending represented. Nor do I understand the whole purpose of the discovered monolith, unless it simply symbolizes the beginning and the end. Too weird for me, or maybe just too philosphical. But more than anything, too boring. I still have many questions left unanswered, though, and I feel compelled to find the answers. You know how some people buy paintings that are nothing but splashes of paint and think it's cool? That's probably the same kind of people that like this movie.
Rating:
Summary: One of my top 5 favorite films of all time
Review: The legendary "2001: A Space Odyssey" has captured one of the widest & most varied commentaries in that no two people can agree on what the film is about, nor will they share the same impression of the film. My personal view of the plot is this: Humankind advances & becomes dependent upon technology so much so that they begin to lose their luster for life; their life-force. The only being that expresses any emotion in this film is a self-conscious computer with a monotone voice. Programmed from the minds of the current human condition, this computer also uses technology to segregate itself from humanity by trying to destroy the lives of its human crew. The last act of the movie is the most obscure. However, at the end of the film, the "Star Baby" returns to earth. I personally believe that this represents the need to re-awaken the purpose of humanity. Under observance by the alien monolith, the last crew member lives out his desired life of isolation. Upon his deathbed, he is awakened, or "enlightened" to the true aspect of all phenomena. He is the "Star Baby" returning to Earth to share his discovery. In a sense, he is the Buddha who has undergone painful austerities to seek the way. The last question is what do the aliens have to do with all of this. I believe that this may be the Christian view of the universe, in that there is someone watching over us. Someone who may intervene to save or destroy us. The "Star Baby" to me represents a more self empowering view in that we can do this together. We just need a shared vision. The film is difficult to understand when viewed in context to the typical "Hollywood" film. However, I believe that it is supposed to be more of a contemplative experience rather than a production for entertainment value. I believe that when reading the commentaries on this film, one should take into consideration this very point. The film is amazing in that it is so clean in terms of its production value while the cinematography is very exact & measured. The special effects & designs were way ahead of it's time & still enjoys a certain amount of credibility today. This film was a bold undertaking & I believe it accomplished all it was intended to do: make people think.
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