Anderson Moshi 15/10/2014 Student ID: 1310027 Film Review: 2001 A Space Odyssey
Fig. 1. 2001: A Space Odyssey VHS Cover (1980)
2001: A Space Odyssey , a film appraised for being a visual and technical marvel, unrivalled during its production. It is an epic science fiction released in 1968, directed by Stanley Kubrick. The chronicle is loosely based off a short story, ‘The Sentinel’ Sentinel’, written by Arthur C. Clarke.
The motion picture is structured in four different settings. The first sequence is entitled ‘The Dawn of Man’; it takes it takes place in barren prehistoric wastelands, some four million years ago. It follows a small community of hominids, trying to survive in the harsh environment. These ape-men lose their only water source to a more aggressive tribe and are forced to flee. f lee. When dawn breaks, they discover an
Anderson Moshi 15/10/2014 Student ID: 1310027 enigmatic black monolith which immediately captivates their i nterest. The second segment follows the story of a scientific researcher, Dr. Heywood R. Floyd. Upon his temporary stay on a space station, rumour begins to spread about strange events happening at Clavius (a base located on the Moon). It is revealed that the doctor’s mission is to conduct research on a lunar artefact, which is known to have been buried for four million years. Upon his arrival to t he object, the team discover, the same obscure black monolith. The third portion of the film opens as ‘Jupiter Mission’, Mission’, it takes place 18 months later. Two pilots, Dr. David Bowman and Dr. Frank Poole are on board a ship heading for Jupiter. Accompanying them are three scientist in cryogenic hibernation, and a superior artificial intelligence, the HAL 9000. A while later, ‘Hal’ Hal’ claims that there is a malfunction in one of the ships components. Bowman checks the unit through diagnostics, and discovers that there was never a problem. Suspicious about the apparent flaw in the A.I’s algorithm, causes the two pilots to secretly agree to replace it. However, the sentient computer responds with malicious intent. The final section of the film is called ‘Jupiter and and Beyond the Infinite’ Infinite’. Bowman arrives at Jupiter after watching a recorded video about the monolith’s discovery. David then finds a monolith orbiting the planet and is flung into a hallucinogenic spiral of strange shapes and colours. He wakes up in a stylised house, and begins alternating ages. As a frail old man, the black monolith appears in a room and he extends his hand towards it.
There are specific elements of the film that it is widely renowned for. Some of these include its panoramic cinematography and visual effects. I n the prelude, it
Anderson Moshi 15/10/2014 Student ID: 1310027 begins with marvellous establishing shots of the dry African plane. This is an effective way to get the audience adjusted to the time period and location. Moreover, this approach makes the film slow-moving, which builds anticipation. In addition, the second section begins with several shots of spacecrafts and stations orbiting Earth; all from varying angles and perspectives. This not only displays the fantastical view of outer space and the planet (see. Fig. 2.), but it also exhibits technical mastery. Furthermore, the greatest example of the film’s vibrant visuals, is shown in Figure 3. This scene continually shows a large assortment of abstract forms and coloured lights. It strongly resembles an optical illusion, and even a psychedelic experience. As a result of the energetic mind bending bending graphics, 2001: A Space Odyssey , received an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. “It is undoubtedly the stark visual power that gives this piece of cinema its famous f amous visionary qualities.” (Haflidason, 2001)
Fig. 2. Space Station (1968)
Anderson Moshi 15/10/2014 Student ID: 1310027
Fig. 3. “Star Gate” (1968) Gate” (1968)
The main subjects the film deals with are considered to be; the concept of evolution, and mankind’s r elationship elationship with technology. It is for this reason that the film “might “might be best described as a factual philosophical speculation, rather than the drama it sets out as” (Mine, 2010). 2010). The themes it depicts are deep, and slightly veiled. Similar to Kubrick’s Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut (1999), (1999), there is an esoteric and hidden message subtly placed in the unfolding events. The film centres around the monolith (see Fig.4.); it appears in all four ‘short stories’, stories’, and it potentially links them. Deciphering any meaning to this masterpiece, must begin with the uncanny rectangular stone. Generally, there has been many different interpretations as to the message conveyed within it, and Kubrick chose to let people ponder over their own thoughts, thoughts, rather than reveal the ‘true meaning’.
Fig. 4. The Black Monolith (1968)
Anderson Moshi 15/10/2014 Student ID: 1310027 On the whole, whole, 2001: A Space Odyssey , is hailed for the stunning pioneering technical effects, ambiguous conclusion and many scientific components. It is distinctive and an incredible visual experience. Even without a solid plotline, coupled with the robotic like characters and the many moments without dialogue; “it's through the film's silent, deliberate hypnosis that it achieves its ballet-like ballet-like majesty” (Hummanik, 2007).
Anderson Moshi 15/10/2014 Student ID: 1310027 List of Images: Figure 1. 2001: A Space Odyssey VHS Cover (1980) [VHS Cover] At: http://www.vhsisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20 http://www.vhsisland.com/wp-conte nt/uploads/2013/09/2001.jpg 01.jpg (Accessed on 15.10.14)
Figure 2. Space Station (1968) From: 2001: A Space Odyssey. Directed by: Stanley St anley Kubrick. [Film still] United Kingdom, United States: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (Accessed on 15.10.14)
Figure 3. “Star Gate” (1968) From: 2001: A Space Odyssey. Directed by: Stanley Kubrick. [Film still] United Kingdom, United States: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (Accessed on 15.10.14)
Figure 4. The Black Monolith (1968) From: 2001: A Space Odyssey. Directed by: Stanley Kubrick. [Film still] United Kingdom, United States: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (Accessed on 15.10.14)
Anderson Moshi 15/10/2014 Student ID: 1310027 Bibliography:
Haflidason, A. (2001). BBC - Films - review - 2001: A Space Odyssey . [online] Bbc.co.uk. Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/20 http:/ /www.bbc.co.uk/films/2000/09/18/2001_rev 00/09/18/2001_review.shtml iew.shtml [Accessed 15 Oct. 2014].
Humanick, R. (2007). 2001: A Space Odyssey | Film Review | Slant Magazine. Magazine. [online] Slant Magazine. Available at: http://www.slantmagazine.com/film/review/2001-a-space-odysse http://www.slantmagazine.com/ film/review/2001-a-space-odyssey y [Accessed [ Accessed 15 Oct. 2014].
Mine, T. (2010). 2001: A Space Odyssey: Archive review . [online] the Guardian. Available at: http://www.theguardian.com/film/2010/oct/21/space-odys http://www.theguardian.com/film/2010/oct/21/space-odyssey-reviewsey-reviewscience-fiction [Accessed 15 Oct. 2014].
